LSU men’s basketball continues its rise in the rankings amid a three-game winning streak.
The Tigers are up to No. 49 in the most recent KenPom rankings. 12 SEC teams checked in ahead of LSU, which opens conference play at home against Vanderbilt on January 4.
The SEC holds the top two spots with Auburn at No. 1 and Tennessee at No. 2. Florida State ranks No. 63 after falling to the Tigers 85-75 in Baton Rouge.
After a home contest against Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday, LSU heads to SMU and then hosts three straight home games before opening conference play against the Commodores.
Barring an upset, the Tigers should continue moving up the rankings. College basketball has seen many upsets over the first month of the season, including losses to AP No. 1 Kansas and No. 2 Auburn. As long as LSU wins out in its nonconference schedule, it should be in a good position to increase its position heading into SEC play.