By Chris Marler
It took 90 years for two SEC basketball teams to be ranked at No. 1 and No. 2 in the country in the same poll. Alabama and Auburn played in an all-time game in Coleman Coliseum on Saturday. It was more than memorable for only one school. Elsewhere the story became more narrative changing and NCAA Tournament resume strengthening moments. Here are the five biggest takeaways from Saturday in the SEC.
- Beatdown in T-Town
Auburn walked into Tuscaloosa and absolutely dominated Alabama. With seven minutes left in the game, Alabama was able to tie it up, but that was as close as they ever got. Alabama never led in the game and Auburn led by double digits for most of the second half. Their big players shined brightest and Johnni Broome reminded everyone why he’s the best player in America. Auburn left Tuscaloosa with a win, and all but cemented their status as the No. 1 overall team in the NCAA Tournament.
- Georgia’s slide continues
Five weeks ago, we argued that the Bulldogs should be ranked. Since then, Georgia has lost eight of their last ten games. Heading into the weekend, they were projected as one of the last four teams in the NCAA tournament according to Joe Lunardi. After a 13-point loss at home to Missouri, they are in danger of being bounced out of the projected field.
- Ain’t no fans in Oklahoma
Sorry to loosely quote Luke Combs there but it’s needed. This season has been nothing short of a huge disappointment for Oklahoma. They were a top 15 team before conference play. They are now 3-9 in conference play after a home loss to LSU.
- Upset Special hits again
Allow a little bragging please. For the third time in the last four weeks, the upset special in our Starting 5 weekend preview article has been correct. This week the upset came in Oxford as Mississippi State swept the regular season series against Ole Miss. Chris Jans’s squad continues to be one of the best teams in the conference on the road. The Bulldogs improved to 6-2 away from home on the season with their ten point win over the Rebels.
- Home Court Disadvantage
One of the most consistent storylines in the conference this season has been the overwhelming advantage teams have had at home so far. After the midweek games, home teams had a .802 winning percentage in the SEC this year. However, over the last two Saturdays, home teams have gone just 6-10. That includes a 4-4 record this weekend with multiple ranked teams losing at home.
