Southeastern Conference
Work left to do: South Carolina, Florida
The SEC has had at least five of its teams play in the NCAA tournament in every season since 1996-97. But with only one regular-season game to play, it's looking more and more likely that the SEC will be fortunate to get only four of its teams into this year's NCAA tournament. Kentucky is on the verge of missing the NCAAs for the first time since 1991 after losing to Georgia 90-85 at home Wednesday night. Florida lost at Mississippi State 80-71, leaving the Gators in danger of missing the NCAAs for the second season in a row. And while still a long shot, Auburn has won seven of its past eight, and a win at LSU this weekend would get the Tigers to 10-6 in the SEC and at least back into the bubble discussion.
South Carolina [20-7 (9-5), RPI: 41, SOS: 83] The Gamecocks can win the SEC East title by beating Tennessee at home Thursday night. The game might be even more important to South Carolina's at-large hopes because it no longer has an RPI top-50 victory, thanks to the recent struggles of Florida and Kentucky. The Gamecocks are 0-3 against RPI top-50 opponents, losing at home to Clemson and on the road at Tennessee and LSU. They're 7-6 against RPI top-100 foes, sweeping games against Kentucky and splitting games with Florida. South Carolina's best nonconference victory -- an 85-84 win at Baylor on Jan. 2 -- isn't as strong as it once seemed, either. But as long as the Gamecocks split their last two regular-season games -- after hosting the Vols, they play at Georgia on Saturday -- they should be in pretty good shape for an at-large bid. If the Gamecocks beat Tennessee, they will probably lock up a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Florida [21-9 (8-7), RPI: 52, SOS: 96] The Gators are in big bubble trouble and are in danger of missing the NCAA tournament for the second season in a row after losing three consecutive games. Florida lost at Mississippi State 80-71 on Wednesday night, its fifth consecutive road loss. Overall, the Gators are 2-7 on the road. They're only 2-6 against RPI top-50 opponents, beating South Carolina at home and Washington on a neutral court. Florida won't get much help from its strength of schedule (No. 89 overall and No. 245 nonconference), either. The Gators close the regular season at home against Kentucky on Saturday. It could very well be an elimination game for Florida.
It's always good to see the bubble watch and us a lock and KY not even being considered anymore!!! HAHAHA!!!