Alabama Basketball rises to 16th in this week's AP Poll ahead of tough week

The Alabama Basketball team's four-game win streak has helped the team make massive jumps Nationally with the team coming in at 16th in this week's AP Poll. Alabama Basketball is now 16-6 with an 8-1 record in the SEC heading into what may be the team's toughest stretch of the season. KenPom Rankings have the Alabama Basketball team ranked 7th in the country with the adjusted offensive ranking of second and adjusted defensive rankings landing the team at 56th in the country.

The Alabama Basketball team will travel to Auburn on Wednesday where they'll take on the 12th ranked Tigers. The Crimson Tide edged out the Tigers in the first matchup 79-75 with a poor second half nearly costing the Alabama Basketball team. The Tigers play their toughest in Neville Arena, as they're currently undefeated at home this season. The Alabama Basketball team will need to play a complete game against Auburn to knock off the Tigers in Neville Arena and to grow their SEC lead. The team may also be without Nick Pringle who's now missed three games this season due to suspension.

The Tide will then travel to Baton Rouge to take on the 12-9 LSU Tigers. The Tigers have had an up-and-down season thus far playing plenty of teams tough but, losing close games down the stretch. Nate Oats' team won the first matchup 109-88 in Tuscaloosa, but a tough environment in Baton Rouge may make this matchup closer than the first one. The team will need to play better defense against Derek Fountain whose size provided issues in the first matchup with 14 points and six rebounds.

Alabama Basketball: Time to put the SEC Away

The Alabama Basketball team is atop the conference with an 8-1 record with a game lead on South Carolina and Auburn. This week could provide the Tide with breathing room, the team can expand their lead on Auburn on their own accord while South Carolina will have a tough matchup in Ole Miss on Wednesday. The Tide will have tough matchups down the stretch against Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Arkansas after this week. Expanding the conference lead will be vital for the team to continue its reign as SEC Champions.