SEC Poised for Two Number One Seeds in NCAA Tournament Following Auburn and Michigan State Losses
Analysis of the SEC's strong position in the NCAA Tournament bracket following significant losses on the final day of regular season play.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Losses by Auburn and Michigan State on Saturday likely ensured that the SEC will have multiple No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the modern era when the field of 68 is revealed Sunday on CBS.
Entering the day, Auburn was the top overall seed, followed by Duke, Houston, and Florida on the top line, with the Tigers, Blue Devils, and Cougars virtually assured of finishing in those spots, according to CBS Sports Bracketology Expert Jerry Palm.
The fourth No. 1 seed is not yet locked in, but after Tennessee beat Auburn 70-65 in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament and Wisconsin defeated Michigan State 77-74 in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, the race has gained clarity.
“I believe the SEC Tournament champion now will be the fourth No. 1 seed,” CBS Sports Bracketology Expert Palm stated.
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Had the Tigers won the SEC Tournament and had Michigan State won the Big Ten Tournament, the final No. 1 seed line could have consisted of Auburn (SEC), Duke (ACC), Houston (Big 12), and Michigan State (Big Ten).
However, with either Florida or Tennessee guaranteed to win the SEC Tournament, that team will be well-positioned to land on the No. 1 seed line. Michigan State’s defeat could also particularly benefit a team like Tennessee should the Volunteers claim the title.
Tennessee began the day as a projected No. 2 seed in Palm’s Bracketology but could outpace Florida for the No. 1 line if they secure a 2-1 edge in their season matchup against the Gators. The Vols no longer need to be concerned about the Spartans too.
“I think we secured a 1-seed today,” Golden mentioned after Florida finished its 104-82 victory over Alabama in the semifinals. “That’s my opinion. We’re second on KenPom right now, beat Bama twice, beat Auburn at Auburn. I don’t really think it’s a debate regardless of tomorrow’s results.”
The SEC is also on course to potentially place 13 or 14 teams in the tournament, which will obliterate the Big East’s old record of 11 set in 2011 when the league had 16 teams. Back in 1980, when the NCAA Tournament had 48 teams, both Kentucky and LSU secured No. 1 seeds.
