Here is a look into some of the recent SEC battles that have had major implications in regards to seeding for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
#1 Auburn: 94 @ #17 Kentucky: 78
Despite a slow showing from All-SEC stalwart Johni Broome, Auburn throttled Kentucky offensively with a strong showing from guards Miles Kelly, Chad Baker-Mazara, and Tahaad Pettiford who combined for a whopping 73 points, totaling 78% of Auburn’s total scoring. Kentucky fell behind early despite strong offensive showings from Koby Brea with 21 points, Andrew Carr with 20 points, Lamont Butler with 15 points, and Armani Williams with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. This game raises optimism for the Auburn Tigers who exploded for 94 points despite a poor showing from Johni Broome and this game highlighted Auburn’s strong exterior defense. This performance concerns Kentucky fans as they showed a lack of scoring, overall efficiency off the bench, and weak defensive perimeter play.
#6 Alabama: 76 @ #5 Tennessee: 79
The Tennessee Volunteers hosted the Alabama Crimson Tide in what was likely the game of the year. The scene was set perfectly for a big game as the Food City Center hosted over 22,000 orange-clad fans for a once-in-a-lifetime matchup between the football rivals. The game went back and forth as Mark Sears dominated Alabama’s scoring with 24 points, while Chaz Lanier and sixth man Jordan Gainey each provided 18 points, Alabama maintained a slight lead and went up four points with 36 seconds left. Chaz Lanier scored an And-1 but missed the free throw and then Jahmai Mashack was fouled on the rebound before knocking down two free throws. With 3 seconds left, Alabama possessed the ball under the basket but a 5-second violation turned the ball over, and Jahmai Mashack nailed his only three pointer of the day to erupt the crowd in Knoxville. This win elevates Tennessee into the 1st seed and drops Alabama to the 2nd seed. Tennessee will look to build off this win heading into the SEC tournament while Alabama will look to rebound before playing their toughest game of the year in Neville.
#12 Texas A&M: 70 @ #3 Florida: 89
The Florida Gators rebounded from their loss in Georgia by crushing a highly ranked Texas A&M Aggie team by 19 points. Florida exploded with 14 three pointers and 21 assisted baskets to outshoot and outpass the Aggie defense. Will Richard lead the way for Florida with 25 points and six rebounds while Texas A&M was led by Zhuric Phelps with 16 points. Florida will fall into the second seed due to their loss at Georgia, but this win protected their chance at a number one seed if they perform well in the tournament. Texas A&M falls to number 22 in the country after four straight losses, tarnishing the chance they had at a top seed just a couple weeks ago.