Where Alabama Basketball Lands in Week 17's AP Poll

The Alabama Crimson Tide's sluggish defense this past week altered its ranking.

Alabama's historic offense has helped the Crimson Tide rise in the rankings over the past few weeks. Its scoring production paved the way to a thrilling 98-93 overtime victory over then-No. 24 Florida on Feb. 21, but despite tallying 95 against then-No. 17 Kentucky this past Saturday, the Wildcats responded with a jaw-dropping 117 of their own.

The Tide's defense allowed roughly 16 more points than its average game against the Gators and 38 more against Kentucky. Although it split these matchups, Alabama was lowered from No. 13 to No. 14 in Week 17's AP Poll. Additionally, Alabama is now tied with No. 4 Tennessee for first place in the SEC after being the sole squad on the top.

This Wednesday, the Crimson Tide will travel to Ole Miss, who after a stellar start to the season and a respectable 5-3 beginning to SEC play, has lost five of its last six games. The Rebels are running out of time to make a case to go dancing in March as they can't really afford another loss.

On Saturday, Alabama will not only host Tennessee, but ESPN's College GameDay will come to Coleman Coliseum for the first time in the television program's history. This matchup is among the highest-anticipated for the entire season, especially at this stage with the SEC title very much up for grabs.

The Volunteers were upset by Texas A&M 85-69 on Feb. 10, but they proceeded to win their next three games by a combined score of 252-183. Tennessee played against the Aggies once again this past Saturday and decimated them 86-51. In other words, the Volunteers are back to their typical selves and they'll be hungry to complete the season sweep against rival Alabama, as they won the first battle 91-71 on Jan. 20.

Week 17 AP Poll Top 25

1. Houston, 24-3
2. Purdue, 25-3
3. UConn, 25-3
4. Tennessee, 21-6
5. Marquette, 21-6
6. Arizona, 21-6
7. Kansas, 21-6
8. Iowa State, 21-6
9. North Carolina, 21-6
10. Duke, 21-6
11. Auburn, 21-6
12. Creighton, 20-8
13. Illinois, 20-7
14. Alabama, 19-8
15. Baylor, 19-8
16. Kentucky, 19-8
17. Saint Mary's, 23-6
18. South Carolina, 22-5
19. Washington State, 21-7
20. San Diego State, 21-7
21. Dayton, 21-5
22. Utah State, 22-5
23. Gonzaga, 22-6
24. Florida, 19-8
25. South Florida, 21-5

Other receiving votes: BYU 92, Texas Tech 65, Clemson 45, TCU 45, Wake Forest 44, Wisconsin 42, Nevada 25, Colorado St. 20, Arizona St 17, New Mexico 10, FAU 8, Oklahoma 7, Nebraska 7, Mississippi St. 5, Washington 4, Appalachian St 3, Northwestern 1, Boise St. 1, McNeese St. 1, Indiana St 1, Loyola Chicago 1.

How to Watch: Alabama at the NFL Combine