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College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 18

By Nathaniel Reeves

Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Gators head coach Mike White (right) greets guard KeVaughn Allen (5) in the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Florida Gators head coach Mike White (right) greets guard KeVaughn Allen (5) in the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
16

Florida Gators

Last week: 23-6, 13-3 SEC
Last rank: 13

Florida is showing some cracks with center John Egbunu out of the lineup, which could limit its ceiling to a Sweet 16 come the Big Dance.

The Gators started the week off with a solid enough 78-65 win against an Arkansas team that should be headed to the NCAA Tournament. Saturday’s performance was a little more concerning, as Vanderbilt completed the season sweep of the Gators with a 73-71 win in Nashville.

Losing two out of three to the Commodores and Kentucky to end the year is not the end of the world. but Florida is sorely missing Egbunu’s interior presence on both sides of the ball. The Gators now have no depth on the frontcourt and were forced to play little-used Keith Stone for much of Saturday’s game, and struggled to contain Vanderbilt big men Luke Kornet and Jeff Roberson.

Advanced metrics still grade Florida out as a Final Four caliber team, and it has managed to hang on to the No. 4 raking in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency even without Egbunu.  Kasey Hill was also solid in both Week 17 games after a rough showing against the Wildcats and will be the most important player on the offense moving forward.

The Gators will be off until Friday’s SEC quarterfinals thanks to earning a double-bye with the No. 2 seed. If seeds hold, a third matchup with the Commodores will await.