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College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 12

By Nathaniel Reeves

Mar 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts to a play against the Villanova Wildcats during the first half of the south regional final of the NCAA Tournament at KFC YUM!. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts to a play against the Villanova Wildcats during the first half of the south regional final of the NCAA Tournament at KFC YUM!. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2017; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Frank Martin gestures during g the first half against the Florida Gators at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Frank Martin gestures during g the first half against the Florida Gators at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

19. South Carolina Gamecocks

While South Carolina is clearly a class below Kentucky, the Gamecocks have established themselves as the No. 2 team in the SEC and have the ability to reach the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

The Gamecocks earned their biggest win of the season in an ugly 57-53 defensive battle against Florida in Columbia. While Kentucky was far too much at Rupp Arena in Saturday’s 85-69 loss, particularly after PJ Dozier was ruled out with neck spasms, South Carolina is now 15-4 overall and 12-1 with guard Sindarius Thornwell in the lineup.

At this point, the Gamecocks look unlikely to repeat last year’s late-season collapse with a mark of 5-1 against SEC competition, including wins against top half teams in Georgia, Ole Miss and Florida. While nonconference wins against Michigan and Syracuse are losing their luster, the Gamecocks are playing like a top 20 team with Thornwell back from suspesnion.

Frank Martin has his team playing hard-nosed defense, as the Gamecocks are KenPom’s top adjusted unit in the nation and force turnovers on 24.5 percent of opposing possessions. The versatile Thornwell is a force on both ends, as he’s averaging close to 20 points per contest, along with 2.4 steals and 1.1 blocks.

South Carolina will want Dozier back as soon as possible, as it was beaten soundly by the Wildcats despite getting 34 points from Thornwell. The Gamecocks should be able to pick up two more wins this week with games against Auburn and Missouri.