December 22, 2024

SEC men’s basketball reactions of the week

The Vols snapped a three-game losing streak and Vandy stays hot to upset Florida. A lot more happened in the SEC as well, so check out our reactions from this past week.

Photo by Brad Blackwelder.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- #25 Shembari Phillips and #3 Robert Hubbs against Alabama on March 4, 2017.

Vols back on track for SEC Tournament… maybe

The Vols played two games this week and rallied in the second to snap a three-game losing streak. They split the pair with a road loss at LSU, 92-82, and a win at home against Alabama, 59-54. The Vols rallied from down 16 in that game to win on senior night. Grant Williams came up big in both games with a combined 32 points and 28 rebounds. The win gives the Volunteers an overall record of 16-15 and an SEC record of 8-10.

Vanderbilt stays red hot

The Commodores continued their winning ways to beat the No. 12 Florida Gators, 73-71. Luke Kornet led all scorers with 24 points. Vandy has won four of its last five games and have a real chance to make the NCAA Tournament. ESPN has the Commodores as a bubble team that could be the one of the last four in. With this win, Vanderbilt improves to 17-14 overall and 10-8 in SEC play.

Ole Miss comes up big

The Rebels came up big and upset South Carolina at home, 75-70. Sebastian Saiz led the Rebels with 21 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. This loss will be a blemish on the Gamecocks’ record as they fight for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Rebels improve to 10-8 in the SEC with the big win and 19-12 overall, and the Gamecocks drop to 12-6 in the SEC and 22-9 overall. Both teams will finish in the top half of the conference and will have favorable matchups in SEC Tournament play.

Georgia holds on during senior night

The Bulldogs narrowly escaped earlier in the week on their senior night to beat Auburn, 79-78. The Tigers mounted a comeback and had a wide open shot to win the game, but it would not fall. J.J. Frazier led all scorers with 31 points and also had three steals and five assists. He even got down on hands and knees to kiss the “G” after the big win. Georgia will play Tennessee on March 9th in the second round of the SEC tournament.

Other notable scores from this week

No. 9 Kentucky 71, Texas A&M 63

Arkansas 85, Georgia 67

Auburn 89, Missouri 78

Mississippi State 88, LSU 76

Edited by Robert Hughes

Featured image by Brad Blackwelder