While Mid Majors nationwide have begun conference tournaments, this week the Power Six finally begins theirs. Of course, among them is the SEC tipping off from Nashville. While some teams are just hoping to get momentum built for either the NIT or next season, over half the conference is playing to either get into the dance or for seeding, and of course, being the SEC Tournament Champions would also be of use.
2024 SEC Tournament Preview Part 1
Here is the bracket of the hour so that we’re all caught up to speed.
The Bracket.
🔗 https://t.co/VhogXpLaYc#SECMBB x #SECTourney pic.twitter.com/F8v8rA0Ph6
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) March 10, 2024
Wednesday Games
14. Missouri vs 11. Georgia
Missouri, the first team to go winless in conference play since 2019, looks to find their first win when it matters most. Georgia is just a few plays away from playing on Thursday as Mike White hopes to get some momentum rolling. The two teams already faced off once this year, where Georgia came away with a 75-68 road win. Sean East II will again be the best player on the floor, if they want to have any chance he needs to have another big night. The deciding factor for me is Georgia’s front court. Georgia’s biggest issue during SEC play has been inconsistent big-man play. I don’t see Missouri being able to impose their will to where that’s an issue. Give me Georgia 72-63.
13. Vanderbilt vs 12. Arkansas
Two teams that find themselves playing some solid hoops right now. Vanderbilt coming off a win against Florida after hanging tough in Rupp. The Razorbacks on the other hand kept it close in road games against Kentucky and Alabama. In their only meeting this season Vanderbilt came away with a road win 85-82. Ezra Manjon and Tramon Mark can score in a hurry, both are capable of carrying their team to win this game. What it comes down to for me is coaching. Eric Musselman always performs in March. We won’t see a second weekend appearance from the Hogs this year but I think they go out swinging. Jerry Stackhouse is trying to save his job, but he’s outmatched here. I’ll take the Hogs 88-80.
Thursday Games
9. Mississippi State vs 8. LSU
Two teams placed right next to each other in the standings but Mississippi State with much more to gain. Mississippi State is in the field right now, but a few bid stealers paired with a bad SEC Tournament performance could have the Bulldogs in trouble. LSU has improved greatly over the year, with signature wins against South Carolina and Kentucky, but some bad non-conference losses have them out of the tournament picture. Mississippi State also won their first meeting by 20 in Starkville. This game will feature two guards, LSU’s Jordan Wright, and Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard who are time bombs waiting to go off. Will Baker for the Tigers and Tolu Smith for the Bulldogs is a very intriguing battle down low. Being in desperation mode can add wins in a hurry. With so much more to gain I would be surprised if the Bulldogs drop this one. Mississippi State 79-67.
12. Arkansas vs 5. South Carolina
South Carolina suffered the most brutal draw in the SEC. Tying for second in the standings, yet placing in fifth and having to play four games in four days if they want to win the SEC Tournament. Lamont Paris has done the best coaching job in the country, this year with a team picked to finish last in the SEC. I love South Carolina’s frontcourt depth, with multiple guys who all give you something different. South Carolina also beat the Hogs on their home floor. However, that was back in mid-January. Arkansas is playing more competitive hoops lately. Including a win at Texas A&M, a four-point loss at Mississippi State, and blown road wins at Kentucky and Alabama. The loss to Vanderbilt is a bad look, but they’ve come close to beating some good teams. I see a trap game and an upset. Give me Arkansas 77-75.
10. Ole Miss vs 7. Texas A&M
This matchup is very similar to Mississippi State-LSU. Ole Miss in recent weeks has thrown away any at-large tournament chances, really having no choice but to win the SEC Tournament. Texas A&M needs a win just as much maybe even more than Mississippi State. The two teams played twice splitting the season series, but the Aggies won their meeting Saturday by 26. Texas A&M has struggled to live up to their preseason hype, struggling to get consistent offense out of anyone not named Wade Taylor. Ole Miss, on paper, should not be struggling this badly on defense. Jamarion Sharp is one of the best shot blockers in the SEC, and Chris Beard is known for defense. Yet, it never clicked. Again I think desperation mode prevails, give me Texas A&M 78-70.
11. Georgia vs 6. Florida
While the basketball rivalry isn’t as intense as the football version, make no mistake this is still an incredibly meaningful matchup for a lot of people. Especially former Florida turned Georgia head coach Mike White. The Gators swept the season series, but only by four and six, one of the games going to overtime. This Florida team is built for March, the three guards Walter Clayton, Zyon Pullin, and Will Richard can catch fire at a moment’s notice. Teams that score well and guard the three well, like Florida typically do well in March. Beating a team three times in one season is never easy, but I like Florida to get it done. Florida wins the Mike White Bowl 85-80.
Championship Game: 2. Kentucky vs 1. Tennessee
Ultimately Kentucky and Tennessee feel like they are on a collision course for the title game. Frankly, the way these two are playing I’d be pretty surprised if this isn’t the SEC title. This game features arguably both the best offense and defense in the country. It will come down to which inconsistent unit wins out. Does Kentucky’s defense or Tennessee’s offense win? I have to go with what I saw most recently and take Kentucky. Their defense got just enough stops last time out, I think they’ll do it again. Give me Kentucky 80-77.
