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Updated SEC Basketball Standings; plus mid-week schedule
Posted on 2/19/16 at 11:41 am
Posted on 2/19/16 at 11:41 am
Current SEC standings WITH tie-breakers for SEC Tournament:
Kentucky 10-4
South Carolina 9-5
LSU 9-5
Texas A&M 9-5
Vanderbilt 8-6
Florida 8-6
Ole Miss 7-7
Georgia 7-7
Alabama 7-7
Arkansas 6-8
Tennessee 6-8
Mississippi State 5-9
Auburn 4-10
Missouri 3-11*
***Ineligible for postseason play
[b]Tuesday
Alabama @ Kentucky, 6:00, ESPN
LSU @ Arkansas, 6:00, espnU
Vanderbilt @ Florida, 6:00, SEC Network
Missouri @ Ole Miss, 8:00, SEC Network
Wednesday
Georgia @ Auburn, 6:00, SEC Network
Mississippi State @ Texas A&M, ESPN2
Tennessee @ South Carolina, 8:00, SEC Network
Well, this weekend certainly threw a wrench into things. The race for the regular season conference title is absolutely wide open as we head into the final two weeks of the regular season.
Texas A&M secured a huge home win over Kentucky, putting them in a position to potentially share the conference title if they can win their four remaining games. However, nothing can be assumed at this point. It seems every team in this conference is a bit bipolar. Regardless, this win will likely jump A&M up a seed line or two in the eyes of the tournament committee. Despite their recent 5-game conference losing streak, I really think this is a very solid team. They have a handful of good players, plus some depth. I don't think you should count on too many SEC teams playing into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament, but the Aggies have as good a shot as anyone.
Despite Kentucky's loss, they still hold on to sole possession of first place in the conference. As mentioned before, the A&M game was just the first of a very tough stretch to end the season for the Wildcats. I think most would agree that they are the class of the conference, even with their loss Saturday. However, with their struggles on the road in conference (join the club), there is a very realistic chance for a team like Texas A&M or South Carolina to finish strong and share the conference title with them; or even win it outright.
South Carolina got a big win Saturday to stop a mini two-game losing streak, and now has themselves back within a game of first place. The Gamecocks need another home win this week, before finishing the season with two of their final three on the road. Obviously, capping off the regular season with their first conference title in nearly 20 years would be amazing, but I think even a 2-2 finish would have South Carolina dancing, regardless of their performance in the SEC Tournament; and I think that is the most important thing in the minds of Gamecock fans right now.
For Florida, the loss Saturday was tough, only because that would have been a great win for the Gators. But they're still perfectly fine. Losing to pretty much anyone on the road in this conference is expected, it seems, at this point. The next three games won't be easy for Florida, but if they can get a win at home against Vandy, they should feel very confident about their NCAA Tournament hopes. The only problem is that Vandy needs that win just as badly.
Vanderbilt, as mentioned, is in a position where they need pretty much every win. As I said before, I think if they can beat Florida on the road, then come home and upset Kentucky, they would be in the field (at that point). They could afford a loss in their season finale in College Station, but they'd have to get some wins in the SEC Tournament. To me, Vandy/Florida is the biggest game to watch of the games this Tuesday and Wednesday.
LSU's latest loss has officially put them on the outside looking in on the NCAA Tournament field. Not only that, the Tigers are in danger of falling outside the top 4 seeds in the SEC Tournament. Yes, LSU still controls their own destiny to win the conference, but that seems pretty unrealistic at this point. Most LSU fans would have told you that they expected a 1-1 stretch against Tennessee and Arkansas. Well, now the pressure is on. LSU pretty much needs to win their next three before taking a loss in Lexington, grab a top-four seed in the SEC Tournament, and then get two wins over top-50 RPI teams in Nashville. That would put their RPI around the mid-60s, which would likely still have LSU squarely on the bubble.
Mississippi State proved those of us in this thread right when they pulled off the upset of Alabama on Saturday. Frankly, they're a team that I think many teams would like to avoid right now. Their next two games? Texas A&M and South Carolina. The Dawgs could play spoiler here down the stretch for some teams at the top of the conference race.
Maybe the Mississippi State loss was the result of a perfect letdown spot for Alabama. Nevertheless, now the Tide have a little work to do again. I said before that I thought a 3-2 regular season finish would be enough for them to feel comfortable about their NCAA Tournament chances. Now, if they finish the regular season 2-2 (2 home, 2 road), they'd probably have to get a win or two (depending on their seed) in Nashville.
Georgia's loss means they pretty much have to win the SEC Tournament in order to get into the field. Ole Miss, and the rest of the conference, still sits in the same boat.
Kentucky 10-4
South Carolina 9-5
LSU 9-5
Texas A&M 9-5
Vanderbilt 8-6
Florida 8-6
Ole Miss 7-7
Georgia 7-7
Alabama 7-7
Arkansas 6-8
Tennessee 6-8
Mississippi State 5-9
Auburn 4-10
Missouri 3-11*
***Ineligible for postseason play
[b]Tuesday
Alabama @ Kentucky, 6:00, ESPN
LSU @ Arkansas, 6:00, espnU
Vanderbilt @ Florida, 6:00, SEC Network
Missouri @ Ole Miss, 8:00, SEC Network
Wednesday
Georgia @ Auburn, 6:00, SEC Network
Mississippi State @ Texas A&M, ESPN2
Tennessee @ South Carolina, 8:00, SEC Network
Well, this weekend certainly threw a wrench into things. The race for the regular season conference title is absolutely wide open as we head into the final two weeks of the regular season.
Texas A&M secured a huge home win over Kentucky, putting them in a position to potentially share the conference title if they can win their four remaining games. However, nothing can be assumed at this point. It seems every team in this conference is a bit bipolar. Regardless, this win will likely jump A&M up a seed line or two in the eyes of the tournament committee. Despite their recent 5-game conference losing streak, I really think this is a very solid team. They have a handful of good players, plus some depth. I don't think you should count on too many SEC teams playing into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament, but the Aggies have as good a shot as anyone.
Despite Kentucky's loss, they still hold on to sole possession of first place in the conference. As mentioned before, the A&M game was just the first of a very tough stretch to end the season for the Wildcats. I think most would agree that they are the class of the conference, even with their loss Saturday. However, with their struggles on the road in conference (join the club), there is a very realistic chance for a team like Texas A&M or South Carolina to finish strong and share the conference title with them; or even win it outright.
South Carolina got a big win Saturday to stop a mini two-game losing streak, and now has themselves back within a game of first place. The Gamecocks need another home win this week, before finishing the season with two of their final three on the road. Obviously, capping off the regular season with their first conference title in nearly 20 years would be amazing, but I think even a 2-2 finish would have South Carolina dancing, regardless of their performance in the SEC Tournament; and I think that is the most important thing in the minds of Gamecock fans right now.
For Florida, the loss Saturday was tough, only because that would have been a great win for the Gators. But they're still perfectly fine. Losing to pretty much anyone on the road in this conference is expected, it seems, at this point. The next three games won't be easy for Florida, but if they can get a win at home against Vandy, they should feel very confident about their NCAA Tournament hopes. The only problem is that Vandy needs that win just as badly.
Vanderbilt, as mentioned, is in a position where they need pretty much every win. As I said before, I think if they can beat Florida on the road, then come home and upset Kentucky, they would be in the field (at that point). They could afford a loss in their season finale in College Station, but they'd have to get some wins in the SEC Tournament. To me, Vandy/Florida is the biggest game to watch of the games this Tuesday and Wednesday.
LSU's latest loss has officially put them on the outside looking in on the NCAA Tournament field. Not only that, the Tigers are in danger of falling outside the top 4 seeds in the SEC Tournament. Yes, LSU still controls their own destiny to win the conference, but that seems pretty unrealistic at this point. Most LSU fans would have told you that they expected a 1-1 stretch against Tennessee and Arkansas. Well, now the pressure is on. LSU pretty much needs to win their next three before taking a loss in Lexington, grab a top-four seed in the SEC Tournament, and then get two wins over top-50 RPI teams in Nashville. That would put their RPI around the mid-60s, which would likely still have LSU squarely on the bubble.
Mississippi State proved those of us in this thread right when they pulled off the upset of Alabama on Saturday. Frankly, they're a team that I think many teams would like to avoid right now. Their next two games? Texas A&M and South Carolina. The Dawgs could play spoiler here down the stretch for some teams at the top of the conference race.
Maybe the Mississippi State loss was the result of a perfect letdown spot for Alabama. Nevertheless, now the Tide have a little work to do again. I said before that I thought a 3-2 regular season finish would be enough for them to feel comfortable about their NCAA Tournament chances. Now, if they finish the regular season 2-2 (2 home, 2 road), they'd probably have to get a win or two (depending on their seed) in Nashville.
Georgia's loss means they pretty much have to win the SEC Tournament in order to get into the field. Ole Miss, and the rest of the conference, still sits in the same boat.
This post was edited on 2/21/16 at 9:01 pm
12
Posted on 2/19/16 at 11:52 am to BayouBengals03
quote:
Avery Johnson has done a wonderful job.
Absolutely. The man is a magician.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 11:59 am to BayouBengals03
2 games separate 3 through 9. 3 and 4 gets an extra bye in SEC tournament. Would be nice to get to that seeding.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 12:01 pm to East Coast Band
LSU's win over Kentucky will help them when it comes to tie-breakers for the SEC Tournament.
It's very likely the Tigers are one of those top 4 seeds, barring a collapse.
It's very likely the Tigers are one of those top 4 seeds, barring a collapse.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 12:15 pm to BayouBengals03
Well done BB03, great as usual.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 12:18 pm to BayouBengals03
some dude got pissed because this thread hadnt happened by 7am.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 12:40 pm to East Coast Band
quote:
Would be nice to get to that seeding.
If you need a win to solidify your resume, is it best to get the double bye and probably play a better team or is it best to play a weaker team first and hope for the best against a top 1-4 team?
Posted on 2/19/16 at 12:42 pm to CockyTime
quote:
is it best to get the double bye and probably play a better team or is it best to play a weaker team first and hope for the best against a top 1-4 team
Depends which "weaker team" you play I think. If you end up in the game vs the 12/13 seed (Auburn or State) then there is no upside. That win doesn't help your RPI at all.
If you end up playing Ole Miss/Vanderbilt/Alabama/Georgia in that game? Probably would help your RPI. All 4 of those teams with have Top 100 RPIs, all but Ole Miss probably Top 75 RPIs. Win would help your RPI and give you a shot at a Top 40 RPI team (where you could afford a loss) and a loss wouldn't KILL you.
This post was edited on 2/19/16 at 12:43 pm
Posted on 2/19/16 at 12:44 pm to CockyTime
Get the double-bye.
Getting the 5 or 6 seed and beating Auburn, Tennessee, or Mississippi State does nothing for you. For a team like LSU or Alabama, losing that game could hurt you enough to knock you out of the NCAA Tournament altogether. The conference isn't deep enough for just any win to matter. The risk isn't worth the reward.
Take LSU, for example:
We're likely going to get a top 4 seed. Let's say we get the 3 or 4 seed (likely, considering aTm's schedule). Our first game in the conference tournament will likely be against the 5 or 6 seed, which could very well be Alabama or Florida. Right off the bat, we have a shot at a top-50 RPI win AWAY FROM HOME. If you win that game, then you get Texas A&M or Kentucky. That's a shot at two good wins for the résumé.
Getting the 5 or 6 seed and beating Auburn, Tennessee, or Mississippi State does nothing for you. For a team like LSU or Alabama, losing that game could hurt you enough to knock you out of the NCAA Tournament altogether. The conference isn't deep enough for just any win to matter. The risk isn't worth the reward.
Take LSU, for example:
We're likely going to get a top 4 seed. Let's say we get the 3 or 4 seed (likely, considering aTm's schedule). Our first game in the conference tournament will likely be against the 5 or 6 seed, which could very well be Alabama or Florida. Right off the bat, we have a shot at a top-50 RPI win AWAY FROM HOME. If you win that game, then you get Texas A&M or Kentucky. That's a shot at two good wins for the résumé.
This post was edited on 2/19/16 at 12:47 pm
Posted on 2/19/16 at 12:53 pm to BayouBengals03
I think we're going to need a win in the tourney to feel completely safe. If we beat Florida tomorrow, I'll feel a lot better but I am not confident at all we can beat anyone on the road. We still go to Arkansas and Miss St. Hell if we couldn't beat Mizzou, we can't beat anyone.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 12:53 pm to bbap
quote:Kentucky fan?
some dude got pissed because this thread hadnt happened by 7am.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 12:54 pm to CockyTime
Yeah, I think it's possible South Carolina can lose both of their remaining road games. But just win your home games and you'll be fine.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 1:22 pm to BayouBengals03
USC doesn't have the name recognition, or OOC schedule to get the benefit of the doubt. They need to go 4-1 down the stretch to really be safely in the NCAA tourney.
That loss at Mizzou was highly damaging. I'm not positive they can beat UF; USC historically has struggled with Florida more than nearly anyone else in-conference.
That loss at Mizzou was highly damaging. I'm not positive they can beat UF; USC historically has struggled with Florida more than nearly anyone else in-conference.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 1:23 pm to BayouBengals03
Are all those CST or EST?
Posted on 2/19/16 at 1:28 pm to RoyalAir
Bubble is so weak. Just win your home games. 3-2 and South Carolina will be fine.
If you go 3-2, you're likely getting a top 4 seed in the SEC Tournament (especially with the head-to-head victory over Florida). Even if you lose your first game in the conference tournament, it would be against a top-50 RPI team.
That would have SCAR at 24-8, with a solid record against top-100 teams. And also probably a 4-3 record against the top 50.
Wouldn't be an outstanding résumé (mainly due to lack of top-50 opponents), but should be good enough to get them into the tournament field. Tulsa is sneaking up the bubble, too. That could add a win over an NCAA Tournament team to SCAR's résumé, as well.
If you go 3-2, you're likely getting a top 4 seed in the SEC Tournament (especially with the head-to-head victory over Florida). Even if you lose your first game in the conference tournament, it would be against a top-50 RPI team.
That would have SCAR at 24-8, with a solid record against top-100 teams. And also probably a 4-3 record against the top 50.
Wouldn't be an outstanding résumé (mainly due to lack of top-50 opponents), but should be good enough to get them into the tournament field. Tulsa is sneaking up the bubble, too. That could add a win over an NCAA Tournament team to SCAR's résumé, as well.
This post was edited on 2/19/16 at 1:37 pm
Posted on 2/19/16 at 1:28 pm to geauxnavybeatbama
All times central
Posted on 2/19/16 at 1:30 pm to BayouBengals03
I just don't think they weigh conference tourney games a whole lot, unless it's a deep run by a bubble team and of course the winner. I mean, every team save one ends the tourney with a loss.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 1:35 pm to JuiceTerry
It really depends on the committee and situation. I know the SEC considered moving the championship game back from a Sunday because they claimed it hurt teams that needed that game to get off the bubble. I've seen committees ding Kentucky for a late loss or totally ignore their performance in the championship game.
In short, they're just a fickle bunch.
In short, they're just a fickle bunch.
Posted on 2/19/16 at 1:36 pm to JuiceTerry
quote:
I just don't think they weigh conference tourney games a whole lot, unless it's a deep run by a bubble team and of course the winner. I mean, every team save one ends the tourney with a loss.
It just depends on who you play.
The conference tournament can help your RPI (though obviously not substantially), because you'd be grabbing wins away from home. Neutral site wins count for more in the formula. More so, it can help you gain quality wins.
Again, a team like LSU might only have 4 top-50 RPI wins going into the SEC Tournament. If they were to make the final, that number will likely go up to 6.
The fact that the 5 and 6 seeds in the SEC Tournament will likely be Florida and Alabama makes the tournament interesting. Those are two teams around the top 30 of the RPI.
This is all assuming that RPI is a big factor for the selection process. Obviously, a team like LSU is hoping it's not a huge factor, but they still need to get an RPI bump (above 81 where they are now) to get into the tournament.
This post was edited on 2/19/16 at 1:38 pm
Posted on 2/19/16 at 1:38 pm to BluegrassBelle
Yea, I think South Carolina is pretty safe barring a total collapse.
34th RPI
3-2 vs Top 50
8-3 vs Top 100
Missouri loss is really bad, Tennessee loss is bad but not awful (they are like 120 in the RPI). The only way South Carolina starts getting iffy is if they lose at home to UT or UGA or lose both MSU and Arkansas.
34th RPI
3-2 vs Top 50
8-3 vs Top 100
Missouri loss is really bad, Tennessee loss is bad but not awful (they are like 120 in the RPI). The only way South Carolina starts getting iffy is if they lose at home to UT or UGA or lose both MSU and Arkansas.
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