Alabama week in review
The Crimson Tide’s loss to Georgia last Saturday served as a guide to Anthony Grant’s tenure in Tuscaloosa. Alabama was in position to win and played well enough to win but lost a close game. The Tide is likely NIT bound, and probably have been all season, but the close loss to Georgia erased all doubt. However, the win over South Carolina at home was a solid victory for SEC Tournament seeding. Alabama is now 17-11 overall, and 7-8 in league play. The Tide travels to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt on Saturday (Feb. 28).
Auburn week in review
The last two games might have been the worst of Bruce Pearl’s coaching career. Auburn was domi-nated by Kentucky in Le-xington, and while that outcome was expected, the Tigers didn’t even put up a fight. Pearl’s squad responded by suffering another blowout loss to LSU. The Tigers are now 12-16 overall, and 4-11 in conference play. Auburn travels to College Station to take on Texas A&M this Saturday.
SEC men’s basketball rankings
1. Kentucky (28-0, 15-0)
2. Arkansas (23-5, 12-3)
3. Ole Miss (19-9, 10-5)
4. Tex A&M (19-8, 10-5)
5. Georgia (18-9, 9-6)
6. LSU (20-8, 9-6)
7. Vanderbilt (15-12, 5-9)
8. Tennessee (14-12, 6-8)
9. Alabama (17-11, 7-8)
10. Florida (13-15, 6-9)
11. MSU (12-16, 5-10)
12. So. Car. (13-14, 4-11)
13. Auburn (12-16, 4-11)
14. Missouri (8-20, 2-13)
Week 8 Previews and Predictions
Week 7: 11-2; season: 42-17
Saturday, Feb. 28
Missouri at Georgia. After back-to-back bad losses against Auburn and South Carolina, the Bulldogs responded with major road wins over Alabama and Ole Miss. Georgia is probably going dancing, but a loss to Missouri would be a blemish on its resume. It’s been a rough season for the Tigers, but they did pick up their second conference win of the season over Florida. Prediction: Georgia 65, Missouri 54.
Ole Miss at LSU. Both teams are likely in the NCAA Tournament, although LSU still has some work to do on its resume. The Tigers won the first matchup between the two teams, and the Rebels are looking to avoid the season sweep. Prediction: LSU 71, Ole Miss 66.
Alabama at Vanderbilt. It’s been a disappointing season for both teams, but each squad still have a chance to at least make the NIT. The Commodores won the first meeting between the two in Tuscaloosa. Prediction: Vanderbilt 67, Alabama 63.
Arkansas at Kentucky. Saturday will be the only meeting between the best two teams in the SEC this season. This is the best team Mike Anderson has had at Arkansas, and the Razorbacks are going up against perhaps the best team in college basketball history. Kentucky is closer and closer to making history, and the game against the Hogs will be the toughest test remaining in the re-gular season. Prediction: Kentucky 76, Arkansas 70.
Mississippi State at South Carolina. For SEC Tournament seeding, this is a big game for both teams if they want to avoid playing in the first round. Prediction: South Carolina 58, Mississippi State 55.
Tennessee at Florida. A year after finishing SEC play undefeated, the Gators are likely going to miss the postseason altogether. It’s been the most challenging year of Billy Donovan’s coaching career, and Florida is below .500 on the season. Prediction: Florida 64, Tennessee 60.
Auburn at Texas A&M. The Aggies are still in good shape for the NCAA Tournament but need to avoid a loss to the Tigers. Prediction: Texas A&M 74, Auburn 62.
Tuesday, March 3
Auburn 65, Missouri 61.
Texas A&M 70, Florida 68.
Kentucky 80, Georgia 73.
Ole Miss 75, Alabama 70.
Wednesday, March 4
LSU 68, Tennessee 61.
Vanderbilt 60, Mississippi State 54.
Thursday, March 5
Arkansas 77, South Carolina 70.