As the season continues to move along, every game becomes more important, especially when it comes to bracketology and jockeying for 1 of the 68 spots in March Madness.

On Tuesday, ESPN expert Joe Lunardi released his latest bracketology projections, and he included 6 SEC teams in the field. He had Kentucky as 1 of the last teams in and Texas A&M as the first team out of the field.

Lunardi also had both Alabama and Tennessee on the 1-seed line:

• Alabama — No. 1 seed (Midwest)
• Tennessee — No. 1 seed (East)
• Mizzou — No. 7 seed (East)
• Auburn — No. 8 seed (South)
• Arkansas — No. 10 seed (Midwest)
• Kentucky — No. 11 seed (East)
• Texas A&M — First Four Out

Can the Aggies work their way into the field before March? We’ll see which teams surge and which struggle over the next few weeks of SEC action.

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But the Fayetteville area is experiencing a winter storm on Tuesday, with a weather advisory cautioning that icy conditions could persist.

The game between the Aggies and Razorbacks will still go on as scheduled, per the Arkansas Twitter account, but minor gameday and parking changes have been announced:

Here's all the gameday changes for tonight. A reminder to use your best judgment when making travel decisions.https://t.co/dXSmfV5BQJ

— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball ? (@RazorbackMBB) January 31, 2023

The Razorbacks also urged caution for fans traveling to the game on Tuesday night, via a release:

With the inclement weather in Northwest Arkansas, we encourage everyone planning on attending to use their best judgment when making travel decisions.

Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. Central time. The big SEC matchup can be seen on ESPN2.

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The then-No. 2 Crimson Tide went to unranked Oklahoma and lost to the Sooners 93-69 — one of the worst losses ever for a top-2 team to an unranked opponent.

Alabama hosts Vanderbilt on Tuesday night, so there’s not much time to get back on track for that upcoming game. Oats said on Monday that he doesn’t mind the quick turnaround:

Nate Oats: "The good thing about basketball is you get to play (again) right away. After Saturday's performance, we're looking forward to playing right away and trying to fix it."

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) January 30, 2023

He added that the Monday practice was intense, with a scrimmage that featured several players with high energy:

Nate Oats on today's practice: "It was a lot more intense. We had two teams that got after it. Some guys coming off the bench, I think, were playing extremely hard."

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) January 30, 2023

Alabama is still a perfect 8-0 in SEC play. The loss to the Sooners didn’t affect the Tide’s standing in conference action.

Tuesday night’s game is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time and can be seen on the SEC Network.

The post Nate Oats reacts to Saturday’s blowout loss at Oklahoma, discusses how Tide will move forward appeared first on Saturday Down South.

A total of 3 SEC teams cracked the top 25, but 2 of them were in the top 5. Purdue is the No. 1 team, followed by No. 2 Tennessee, No. 3 Houston, No. 4 Alabama and No. 5 Arizona.

Auburn wraps up the rankings at No. 25. Mizzou, Texas A&M and Arkansas were among the teams also receiving votes.

Take a look at the full top 25 rankings here:

AP Men’s Basketball Top 25:

#1 Purdue
#2 Tennessee
#3 Houston
#4 Alabama
#5 Arizona
#6 Virginia
#7 Kansas State
#8 Kansas
#9 UCLA
#10 Texas
#11 Baylor
#12 Gonzaga
#13 Iowa State
#14 Marquette
#15 TCU
#16 Xavier
#17 Providence
#18 Saint Mary’s
#19 Florida Atlantic
#20 Clemson
#21 Indiana
#22 San Diego State
#23 Miami
#24 UConn
#25 Auburn

Also receiving votes: 

Missouri 74, Charleston 68, Illinois 56, Creighton 51, New Mexico 47, North Carolina 47, North Carolina State 39, Boise State 31, Duke 24, Rutgers 17, Texas A&M 16, Northwestern 13, Memphis 10, Arkansas 9, Pittsburgh 9, West Virginia 2, Nevada 2, Oral Roberts 2, Saint Louis 1

The post AP Men’s Basketball Poll, Jan. 30: 3 SEC teams included in top 25 rankings appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Mizzou, Mississippi State and Tennessee were the only SEC men’s basketball teams to win against the Big 12 on Saturday, and now a few SEC squads have dropped in the updated NET rankings.

As of Sunday, Jan. 29, here’s a look at where all 14 SEC men’s hoops squads stand in the updated NET rankings:

• No. 2 — Tennessee
• No. 4 — Alabama
• No. 28 — Arkansas
• No. 31 — Auburn
• No. 35 — Kentucky
• No. 44 — Texas A&M
• No. 45 — Mizzou
• No. 50 — Florida
• No. 54 — Mississippi State
• No. 93 — Vanderbilt
• No. 112 — Georgia
• No. 117 — Ole Miss
• No. 136 — LSU
• No. 273 — South Carolina

Here’s a look at what the NET rankings are and how they’re calculated:

What are the NET Rankings?

Here's EVERYTHING you need to know. Be on the lookout for the first release ? pic.twitter.com/kdZwDEjFPS

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) November 26, 2018

We’ll see how things change moving forward with more SEC games coming this week.

The post Where every SEC men’s basketball team stands in updated NET rankings appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Alabama was clicking while riding a 9-game winning streak into an SEC/Big 12 Challenge road game at Oklahoma. Unfortunately, the Sooners put a stop to that in dominant fashion, crushing the Crimson Tide with a 93-69 win in Norman.

No matter how you look at that 24-point loss, a bit of history is involved for Alabama. CBS Sports initially noted that the 24-point loss was the largest margin of defeat ever for a top-2 team in a loss to an unranked team.

Meanwhile, ESPN Stats & Info has the 24-point defeat to an unranked team as the third largest by an AP top-2 team. Either way, that’s a disappointing result after Alabama was making a serious case to be the No. 1 team in the country prior to Saturday.

No. 2 Alabama lost by 24 POINTS to Oklahoma.

That’s the largest margin of defeat a top-two team has EVER suffered to an unranked team. pic.twitter.com/NsiOKOhrKw

— CBS Sports CBB (@CBSSportsCBB) January 28, 2023

Oklahoma’s 24-point win over No. 2 Alabama is the 3rd largest ever by an unranked team against an AP top-2 team.

The AP Poll has been around for 75 years.

Grant Sherfield finished with 30, just 2 points shy of a career-high. pic.twitter.com/HVTwswo4OM

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 28, 2023

On the latest AP Poll, Alabama received 23 first-place votes. That mark trailed only top-ranked Purdue with the Boilermakers claiming 39 first-place votes.

Needless to say, it’s likely the Tide will experience a brief stay in the No. 2 slot when the latest AP Top 25 drops on Monday.

The post Alabama basketball hits historic low in blowout loss at Oklahoma appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Sooners hoops fans called Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide team overrated, but that didn’t stop them from storming the court at Lloyd Noble Center to celebrate the lopsided win.

Real shame that the biggest win of Porter Moser’s tenure at Oklahoma is gonna come against an overrated team, huh? pic.twitter.com/PZ3SqjgV2C

— Eli Lederman (@ByEliLederman) January 28, 2023

Court is stormed.

Oklahoma beats Alabama pic.twitter.com/7OtAGgZ3GW

— /r/CollegeBasketball (@redditCBB) January 28, 2023

A 17-point game at the half (50-33), Oklahoma’s largest lead came late in the second half at 91-59 before Alabama closed out with a 10-2 run to slightly cut the deficit. There was only 1 tie and 1 lead change, as Oklahoma led for 38 minutes and 40 seconds.

Oklahoma shot 58% from the floor, including 69% from behind the 3-point line (9-of-13). Alabama made 38% of its field-goal attempts and 27% of its 3-pointers (6-of-22). While turnovers and total rebounds were about even, Oklahoma managed 17 assists to Alabama’s 6.

Oklahoma had 2 players score more than 25 points. Grant Sherfield led all scorers with 30 points, while Jalen Hill had 26.

OU is now 12-9 on the year, while UA falls to 18-3.

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The Wildcats are hosting KU in this matchup as they look to secure a key nonconference victory for their NCAA Tournament résumé. Kentucky needs to pull off the win to stay off the bubble, according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi.

Several ESPN experts predicted the winner and final score of this game as part of the network’s preview of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. Here are their predictions:

• Jeff Borzello: Kansas 72, Kentucky 70
• John Gasaway: Kansas 74, Kentucky 71
• Joe Lunardi: Kansas 78, Kentucky 74
• Myron Medcalf: Kentucky 74, Kansas 72

Of the panel of experts, only Medcalf is picking Kentucky to win the game. Here’s an excerpt of his analysis:

“But this is a hot Kentucky team. The starting lineup of Chris Livingston, Cason Wallace, CJ Fredrick, Jacob Toppin and Tshiebwe has held opponents to just 85 points per 100 possessions and snatched 42% of its missed shots during this four-game run, per hooplens.com.”

Kentucky has won 3 straight games entering this matchup. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks are on a 3-game losing streak as they grind through the Big 12 gauntlet.

Kentucky and Kansas have met 34 times previously. The Wildcats have a 24-10 record in those contests.

Tipoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday night.

The post Kentucky vs. Kansas: ESPN experts predict winner, final score appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Vols will be taking on UT in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge this weekend. It’s a big game for both programs as they’re each fighting for top seeds in the NCAA Tournament.

Per Lunardi, a win for Tennessee would mean it slots into a No. 1 seed. A victory for the Longhorns would push Texas to a No. 2 seed, according to his analysis:

pic.twitter.com/zPJrx7MFYM

— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) January 27, 2023

Tennessee enters this game on a 3-game winning streak. The Vols are 17-3 overall this season and have proven to be one of the top teams in the country.

Tennessee’s team is built off of one of the best defenses in recent memory. The Vols’ have the No. 1 defense in the country, per KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency ranking.

These 2 teams have met 7 times previously, with Texas holding a 4-3 advantage. The Longhorns have won back-to-back contests, including a 52-51 victory in 2022.

Tipoff from Knoxville is at 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday evening.

The post Joe Lunardi shares what Tennessee needs to do to ‘solidify’ case for No. 1 seed appeared first on Saturday Down South.

According to Lunardi, Kentucky has to beat the Jayhawks at home on Saturday in order to avoid the NCAA Tournament bubble in the near future. For Kansas, Lunardi added that Bill Self’s team needs a win to regain a No. 1 seed in his bracket projection.

Here’s Lunardi’s full notes for major bracket games this weekend:

pic.twitter.com/zPJrx7MFYM

— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) January 27, 2023

Kentucky has struggled throughout the year, but the Wildcats do enter this game on a 4-game winning streak. UK has picked up wins over Tennessee, Georgia, Texas A&M and Mississippi State over that span.

Overall, Kentucky is 14-6 on the season and remains on track to contend for an NCAA Tournament berth. However, a win over Kansas would easily be Kentucky’s top nonconference win of the season so far. Kentucky currently doesn’t have any nonconference victories over top-50 KenPom opponents.

Kentucky and Kansas have met 34 times previously. The Wildcats have a 24-10 record in those contests.

Tipoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday night.

The post Joe Lunardi lays out major stakes for Kentucky-Kansas matchup in SEC/Big 12 challenge appeared first on Saturday Down South.

1. Opening tipoff

The Tennessee Volunteers are playing incredible basketball on the defensive end of the floor right now. Anyone with a pulse can see that.

Currently, the Vols have a sizable lead in the KenPom rankings when it comes to the best defense. Tennessee’s adjusted defensive efficiency number per 100 possessions, according to KenPom, is 82.7. For context, the No. 2 defense in the country belongs to Rutgers, which currently stands at 86.4 in the KenPom metric. That’s a difference of nearly 4 points.

For further context, no team in the history of the KenPom system (dating back to the 2001-02 season) has ever even finished with an adjusted defensive efficiency rating of less than 84.1.

The Vols don’t give up many second-chance points, grabbing the second-most rebounds per game in the SEC. The Vols grab 39.8 boards per game, behind only Alabama. When they’re not cleaning the glass, they’re preventing opponents from taking shots at all. They rank tied for second in the SEC, behind only Mizzou, in steals per game at 9.7.

That’s a lot of numbers to have thrown at you, so here’s where we’ll watch a couple of videos. Star guard Santiago Vescovi doesn’t get the credit he deserves on the defensive end. He has quick hands and knows when to be aggressive:

Tennessee's Guards are giving Georgia initiators trouble tonight; Santiago Vescovi forces baseline and gets the steal with the save. #Vols pic.twitter.com/SXXlAyVswt

— Caleb (@VolsAndDraft) January 26, 2023

Santiago Vescovi – kleptomaniac #Vols pic.twitter.com/9Ec8PqFyH7

— Caleb (@VolsAndDraft) January 26, 2023

He averages 2.4 steals per game, which is second in the SEC. Zakai Zeigler is third in the league with 2.3 swipes per contest:

Zakai Zeigler has great timing and precision with his hands; leads to free throws on the other end. #Vols pic.twitter.com/u9G0GoGa6f

— Caleb (@VolsAndDraft) January 26, 2023

It looks absolutely miserable to play against Tennessee’s aggressive, handsy defense. The Vols have held 6 of their 8 SEC opponents under 60 points. No, they haven’t faced Mizzou or Alabama yet – the 2 highest-scoring offenses in the SEC – but there’s no reason to think the Vols won’t give those teams good games.

If the offense can continue to improve as the season goes along, the Vols will be in the mix for the SEC regular-season title, the SEC Tournament title and a Final Four berth.

2. Home-court advantage

Alabama improved to 8-0 in SEC play on Wednesday night at home against Mississippi State, but it wasn’t easy. When Jahvon Quinerly made a free throw to put the Tide ahead 66-59 with 1:50 left, it looked like they were well on their way to another easy win.

But the Tide didn’t score again. Mississippi State closed the gap to 66-63 and even had a 3-point attempt with 2 seconds left to try to tie the game that missed.

Let’s be blunt here. Last year, Alabama loses this game. This year, Alabama fought and managed to hold on for a win. Nate Oats acknowledged as much in his postgame press conference:

Nate Oats: "If you're gonna win an SEC championship, you've gotta figure out how to win games that you don't play your best."

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) January 26, 2023

Oats is absolutely right. It’s a long season. You aren’t always going to have your “A” game. But you need to figure out how to win when you’re playing your “B” and “C” games.

Jahvon Quinerly had 14 points off the bench, playing a key role once again.

Wait. … What’s that?

I’m being told it’s time for Brandon Miller highlights!

The star freshman had 13 points and 6 boards. It wasn’t his best game of the year, but he was still making incredible plays:

Business calling B-Mill from coast-to-coast!

?: https://t.co/g68nRuEoCY#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/3ihEhe3zzy

— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) January 26, 2023

Brandon with a little English off the glass!

?: https://t.co/g68nRuEoCY#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/8RNk19Bjp2

— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) January 26, 2023

BRANDON MILLER WITH THE CHASE DOWN BLOCK ? @AlabamaMBB | @SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/oPxEBmw48l

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 26, 2023

Big time bucket from B-Mill! ?

?: https://t.co/g68nRuEoCY#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/O8bzltfgp8

— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) January 26, 2023

OK, that seems to have fulfilled our Brandon Miller highlight quota.

Seriously, Alabama fans – enjoy this guy while you have him. I’d take him No. 2 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft if I were an NBA GM (and I hope to be one by June).

This is a strong Crimson Tide team that looks primed for big things as the season goes on.

Now let’s look at some other SEC top stories:

• I’m not going to act like beating Ole Miss is a tough task this year. The Rebels are 1 of the 2 worst teams in the SEC, but winning on the road still isn’t super easy, even at Ole Miss. The Tigers went to Oxford on Tuesday night and set the nets ablaze from deep, going 16-for-30 (53.3%) from 3-point range. It was great to see Isiaih Mosley doing his thing for the Tigers. He had his best game in a Mizzou uniform, scoring 20 points and making 4 of his 7 3-pointers:

Isiaih Mosley | @Isiaihletrellm1
Conference Road “W”
29 Minutes
20 Points
8-15 FG’s
4-7 3PT’s
5 Assists & 2 Steals pic.twitter.com/ZJIHMVOfux

— Drew Molitoris (@DrewMolitoris) January 25, 2023

• If he can consistently contribute moving forward, the Tigers add even more offensive firepower to a team that already leads the SEC in points per game at 83.4. Keep an eye on the Tigers moving forward. This feels like a potential NCAA Tournament team.
• Don’t look now, but Eric Musselman and the Arkansas Razorbacks are starting to figure some things out. Arkansas allowed only 14 first-half points to LSU on Tuesday night, cruising to a 60-40 win. The Hogs have the No. 13 defense in the country according to KenPom. If they can just hold on until Nick Smith Jr. returns from a knee injury (if he returns, which I hope he does), the offense should kick things up a notch, too. It always seems like Arkansas plays its best basketball in March, and that looks like it could be the case this year, too.
• Kentucky continues to look like the team many expected to make a run to the Final Four. It took some time but, as they say, better late than never. Antonio Reeves is really benefiting from more time in the lineup including him, Cason Wallace, CJ Fredrick, Jacob Toppin and Oscar Tshiebwe. His shots are starting to fall no matter who’s with him on the court, including the tough runners in the lane:

Antonio Reeves is so special. This is an incredibly tough shot that he makes look so easy @ToniooReeves pic.twitter.com/byuQv5UsLN

— Big Blue Nation #BBN (@UKBasketbalI) January 25, 2023

Antonio Reeves is getting more and more comfortable with each game.

Starting to look like the guy that averaged 20.1 ppg at Illinois State, scoring in a multitude of ways. pic.twitter.com/dPhqXSI8ER

— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) January 25, 2023

• He’s been Kentucky’s leading scorer the past 2 games. If he can continue to get more comfortable in the Wildcats’ offense, it’ll be tough to take down Kentucky moving forward.

Next, let’s take a look around the rest of the college basketball world.

3. Road trip

UConn rose to No. 2 in the AP Poll at one point during nonconference play, with many arguing that Adama Sanogo and company deserved the top spot.

Since then, though, the sky has fallen in Connecticut. The Huskies have lost 6 of their last 8 games and have now lost twice to Big East-leading Xavier this year.

So what’s changed? Simply put, the defense has collapsed. The Huskies didn’t allow any nonconference foe to score 70 points. In Big East play, 6 of their 10 opponents have eclipsed the 70-point threshold.

The Huskies will likely fall out of the top 25 next week, and the road to recovery looks daunting, with home games against Marquette, Seton Hall and Providence remaining on the schedule, as well as road trips to Creighton, St. John’s and Villanova.

We’ll see if the Huskies can stay on the right side of the bubble as March Madness approaches. It has been a dramatic fall for a team that handed Alabama 1 of its 2 losses earlier this year.

Now let’s talk about the craziness that is the Big Ten:

• The Big Ten is an absolute mess right now. Purdue is the No. 1 team in the country, so the Boilermakers are excluded from this conversation. But the other 13 teams in the league all have at least 5 losses. How crazy is that? Northwestern – yes, Northwestern – is the only other team with fewer than 6 losses. Rutgers is currently in second place in the conference standings with a B1G record of 6-3 and a win at Purdue on its résumé.

Next, let’s take a look at this weekend’s schedule.

4. Outlet pass

The Big 12/SEC Challenge takes place on Saturday and provides us some of the best matchups of the weekend, so I’ll focus on that set of 10 games in this section. Here are the top 5 Big 12/SEC Challenge games I can’t wait to watch on Saturday:

1. No. 10 Texas at No. 4 Texas (Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN) – The Rick Barnes Bowl is easily the highlight of the weekend. A showdown of top 10 teams will likely come down to whether or not the Longhorns can manage to score at all against the Vols’ elite defense. That won’t be easy on Rocky Top, where the Vols are going to be spurred on by a raucous home crowd.
2. No. 9 Kansas at Kentucky (Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN) – Am I crazy for thinking Kentucky can win this? We’ll find out on Saturday night! The Jayhawks have struggled in Big 12 play lately, while the Wildcats have figured some things out and are now putting their best 5 players on the court more often (good job, John Calipari). This should be a close battle.
3. Arkansas at No. 17 Baylor (Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN) – Arkansas is starting to figure some things out after a rough start to SEC play. But a trip to Waco is never easy, even with Baylor’s recent struggles in Big 12 action. This is a major swing game in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. If the Hogs can score an upset win over the Bears, the SEC will be in prime position to win the event outright.
4. Florida at No. 5 Kansas State (Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2) – This is the Keyontae Johnson game. Yes, the Wildcats should win comfortably, but Johnson will likely be excited to see the members of the Gators who were around when he was in Gainesville. We’ll see if he can keep Kansas State rolling.
5. No. 12 Iowa State at Mizzou (Saturday at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2) – This will be an intriguing matchup of strength vs. strength when the Tigers have the ball. Mizzou has the No. 7 offense in the country, per KenPom. The Cyclones have the No. 9 defense in the nation, also per KenPom. Something’s gotta give in Columbia on Saturday afternoon!

The SEC has won the last 2 challenges and tied the year before that. Will the Big 12 snap its winless streak or will the SEC prevail once again? Or will we have another deeply unsatisfying tie? We’ll find out on Saturday with wall-to-wall Big 12 vs. SEC action!

5. Buzzer beaters

Now let’s answer a couple of random questions before we get out of here and enjoy our weekends:

Should college hoops conferences have all-star games like the NBA?

I doubt it would ever happen, but it could be a lot of fun. Imagine an SEC East roster with Oscar Tshiebwe, Terry Roberts, Kobe Brown, Colin Castleton and Santiago Vescovi going up an SEC West roster with Brandon Miller, Wendell Green Jr., KJ Williams, Wade Taylor IV and Ricky Council IV. That would be some must-see TV, even if they didn’t play any defense like in the NBA All-Star Game. I’d be pumped to watch (and bet on) that.

Who is the second-best team in the Big Ten these days?

That’s a really tough question as there is a lot of mediocrity behind Purdue these days. Rutgers has a head-to-head win over Purdue – the Boilermakers’ only loss in B1G play thus far – so it has to be in the mix. I also still cling to hope that Illinois can figure things out with all the talent on that roster. Indiana deserves a mention here, too. The Hoosiers have Trayce Jackson-Davis, who is an incredible player, and have also dealt with some injuries lately. I’d be surprised if one of the Rutgers/Illinois/Indiana trio didn’t finish second in the Big Ten standings when all is said and done.

Enjoy the Starting 5? Have a question? Want to yell at me about something? Follow me on Twitter @AdamSpencer4 or email me at ASpencer@SaturdayDownSouth.com.

The post Starting 5: Tennessee’s historic defense, Alabama’s narrow win, UConn’s collapse appeared first on Saturday Down South.

While the Big 12 has a 48-41 overall lead in SEC-BIG 12 Challenge games, the SEC has won the past 2 challenges, and the league can earn an all-time split with the Big 12 by capturing the challenge this weekend.

It won’t be easy.

Every analytical benchmark and ratings system says the Big 12 is the nation’s best basketball conference. A nation-leading 7 Big 12 programs rank in the Top 25 in the KenPom efficiency rankings. The Big 12 is an outstanding 29-15 against Power 6 opposition this season, and 9 of the 10 Big 12 teams are ranked in the top 68 of the NET standings, the most of any Power 6 league. The Challenge could be one final chance for the Big 12 to flex its muscle.

Of course, the SEC is no slouch in hoops, either. The league ranks 3rd among Power 6 leagues in KenPom and features 2 potential No. 1 seeds in Alabama and Tennessee. The SEC has also had the better of the Challenge lately. The Big 12 hasn’t won the Challenge since the 2018-2019 season and as noted, the SEC has won the past 2 outright.

While the marquee games are No. 9 Kansas visiting Kentucky and Rupp Arena (8 pm ET, ESPN) and No. 10 Texas visiting No. 4 Tennessee (6 pm ET, ESPN),  the Challenge has plenty of other games of note, with a total of 8 top 25 teams in action on Saturday.

Here’s Saturday Down South’s preview of each game.

No. 15 Auburn at West Virginia (Noon, ESPN)

KenPom ranking: Auburn ranks 24th in KenPom; West Virginia ranks 21st.

The Skinny: A strange game because on paper, it’s quite evenly matched. The Tigers are 16-4, however, and West Virginia is 12-8, and at 2-6 in the Big 12, the Mountaineers are tied for 8th in their own league. Bob Huggins’ team has played more Quad 1 games than anyone in the country, however, and West Virginia is 3-8 in those games, accounting for all of their losses. If the SEC wants to win or at least tie the final SEC-Big 12 Challenge, they need Bruce Pearl’s team to come away with a win in Morgantown. Ultimately the game may come down to whether the Tigers can do enough to stop the lethal offensive duo of Tre Mitchell and Erik Stevenson. If they can cook at home, Auburn is in deep trouble.

The Pick: West Virginia. 

No. 2 Alabama at Oklahoma (2 pm, ESPN)

KenPom ranking: Alabama ranks 3rd, Oklahoma ranks 53rd.

The Skinny: Porter Moser has a Final Four to his pedigree (with Loyola) and is widely regarded as one of the best X’s and O’s coaches in the sport. The Sooners play a slow, meticulous brand of basketball (328th in tempo) and don’t have much in the way of an electric scorer outside of guard Grant Sherfield, who can create his own look, is comfortable shooting off the bounce, and is connecting on 42% of his 3s this year. The Sooners won’t be able to dictate tempo against Alabama, however, and they just can’t match up with Alabama’s athleticism (not many can!). The Tide will pull away in the second half.

The Pick: Alabama

No. 12 Iowa State at Missouri (2 pm, ESPN2)

KenPom ranking: Iowa State ranks 14th; Missouri ranks 56th.

The Skinny: A battle of a great offense (Missouri ranks 6th in KenPom Adjusted Offensive Efficiency) vs. a great defense (Iowa State ranks 8th in KenPom Adjusted Defensive Efficiency). The Tigers are at home and desperate for another feather in their NCAA Tournament résumé cap. It’s just difficult to see them getting it against a team that can really guard you 1-5 like the Cyclones. Iowa State doesn’t turn the ball over either (89th in the country in turnover rate), which negates Missouri’s greatest defensive strength.

The Pick: Iowa State

Texas Tech at LSU (2 pm, ESPNU)

KenPom ranking: Texas Tech ranks 70th; LSU ranks 123rd.

The Skinny: One long losing streak will end Saturday. These teams mirror each other in many ways. Both ripped off hot starts, with the Tigers 12-1 and Texas Tech 10-2. Now, both have massive conference losing streaks. The Red Raiders have dropped their past 8 and LSU has lost its past 7 games. In games like this, it’s tempting to look at who has the best player. For Texas Tech, that’s either Kevin Obanor, the Oral Roberts transfer, or point guard and thief merchant De’Vion Harmon, a bull-nosed defender with a penchant for grabbing steals and getting to the foul line. For LSU, it is KJ Williams. If Williams has a game where he makes a bunch of shots, LSU can win. Give me the home team in a battle of squads who are due.

The Pick: LSU

No. 11 TCU at Mississippi State (4 pm, ESPN2)

KenPom ranking: TCU ranks 13th; Mississippi State ranks 52nd.

The Skinny: Miss State has played a brutal schedule in January and it doesn’t get any easier Saturday when the Horned Frogs visit the Hump. On the bright side, Chris Jans’ team should feel somewhat confident after controlling tempo and battling tooth and nail with a great Alabama team in Tuscaloosa earlier this week. The problem with that might be replicating a great performance twice in a row against a TCU team that has won its past 2 games (Kansas, Oklahoma) by an average of 25 points. TCU is just on fire, and Mike Miles is one of the game’s best players in the open court. Keep an eye on Eddie Lampkin, the big fellow for TCU. He missed the Oklahoma game with a high ankle sprain. If he doesn’t play, Tolu Smith could have a decided advantage down low.

The Pick: Miss State 

Arkansas at No. 17 Baylor (4 pm, ESPN)

KenPom ranking: Arkansas ranks 22nd; Baylor ranks 16th.

The Skinny: One of the better matchups this weekend, Arkansas is an excellent defense (13th in KenPom Adjusted Defensive Efficiency) capable of slowing Baylor’s magnificent offense (2nd in KenPom Adjusted Offensive Efficiency). The problem for the Hogs has been consistent offense, especially on the road, where Eric Musselman’s young team has yet to win a game. Waco isn’t the best place to grab your first road win. ESPN — and everyone who loves college hoops — is irritated that there won’t be a Nick Smith Jr. vs. Keyonte George diaper dandy duel, but this will be fun television regardless as it is a great contrast of styles.

The Pick: Baylor

No. 10 Texas at No. 4 Tennessee (6 pm, ESPN)

KenPom ranking: Texas ranks 9th; Tennessee ranks 2nd.

The Skinny: The Longhorns were 12-1 when their head coach was rightly fired after his arrest on a charge of felonious domestic abuse, but they haven’t let that derail their season. Instead, they sit in a tie for first place in the best conference in America. They have an explosive scorer in Marcus Carr (17.6 points per game, 41% 3P FG) and a disruptive shot blocker in Vanderbilt transfer Dylan Disu. The big fellow is scoring too, with 11.6 points per game in his past 3, and he’ll give the Horns the inside-out game needed to challenge Tennessee’s outstanding defense. Playing at home and healthy for the first time since early January, Rick Barnes and the Vols will be too much on both ends for Texas though, with Santiago Vescovi just what Tennessee’s offense needs to look electric again.

The Pick: Tennessee

Florida at No. 5 Kansas State (6 pm, ESPN 2)

KenPom ranking: Florida ranks 44th; Kansas State ranks 25th.

The Skinny: This will be an emotional game. Florida faces Keyontae Johnson, who was a star at Florida, and the 2020-2021 preseason SEC Player of the Year, before collapsing on the court at Florida State in December 2020. Johnson didn’t play for 2 years, earning a degree in Gainesville and then, when Florida’s doctors wouldn’t clear him to play again, he transferred to Kansas State, where he’s gotten a second chance at playing the game he loves. Johnson has rewarded new head coach Jerome Tang with a Big 12 Player of the Year type season, averaging 17.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per night on one of the nation’s most surprising success stories this season.

The Gators are all too familiar with Johnson’s talents, but unless Alex Fudge, the 6-9 wing with elite length and athleticism, can play, Florida can’t stop him, barring a staff decision to play defensive specialist Niels Lane, who has spent most the season sitting on the bench. Colin Castleton does give the Gators a mismatch down low, as Jerome Tang’s team plays small. If Florida’s starting guards, who have 22 assists and 0 turnovers in their past 2 games, can get Castleton the ball down low, then Florida can win. But Florida is 1-6 in Quad 1 games and hasn’t shown they can beat a team of Kansas State’s quality yet this season.

The Pick: Kansas State

Ole Miss at Oklahoma State (8 pm, ESPN2)

KenPom ranking: Ole Miss ranks 94th; Oklahoma State ranks 39th.

The Skinny: The Rebels are a mess, with their lone win in their past 9 games coming over a woeful South Carolina team. The Cowboys are a victim of one of the nation’s toughest schedules, and while they sit 2-6 in the Big 12, they boast a top-10 KenPom defense well suited to shutting down Kermit Davis’ anemic offense.

The Pick: Oklahoma State

No. 9 Kansas at Kentucky (8 pm, ESPN)

KenPom ranking: Kansas ranks 10th; Kentucky ranks 30th.

The Skinny: Just a season ago, Kentucky rolled into Phog Allen Fieldhouse and dominated the future national champions. Could this be a bit of a role reversal, where a Kentucky team that is getting its act together hits one more stumbling block before going on the tear the talent on their roster suggests is possible? Kansas has lost 3 straight, and Kentucky has found the defensive lineup that maximizes their talent in Chris Livingston, CJ Fredrick, Jacob Toppin, Cason Wallace and Oscar Tshiebwe, who are holding opponents to .85 points per possession during Kentucky’s current 4-game win streak. Jalen Wilson is spectacular, but the game may turn on who hits 3s: Gradey Dick has shot poorly during the Jayhawks’ 3-game losing streak and CJ Fredrick has shot the ball quite well since his playing time increased. Expect a close game with a Sweet 16 feel.

The Pick: Kansas. 

The Final Tally: 6-4, Big 12. 

The post Previewing the final SEC-Big 12 challenge appeared first on Saturday Down South.

LSU coach Matt McMahon told reporters Thursday that Hill is back with the team and will practice ahead of the Tigers’ clash with Texas Tech on Saturday. While Hill will be available to play, McMahon said the guard’s role in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge contest is to be determined.

Hill had been away from the team for over a week.

#LSU coach Matt McMahon says Justice Hill is back with the team and will practice today,

McMahon said Hill will play Saturday against Texas Tech, but doesn’t know what his role will be.

Hill missed three games after stepping away from the team for personal reasons on Jan. 18.

— Sheldon Mickles (@MicklesAdvocate) January 26, 2023

During Hill’s absence, LSU fell to Auburn, Tennessee and Arkansas. Hill, a senior transfer from Murray State, is averaging 6.9 points per game this season.

McMahon’s squad is 12-8 on the year. The Tigers will look to end a 7-game losing skid on Saturday against the Red Raiders (1 p.m. CT, ESPNU).

The post Justice Hill update: LSU coach Matt McMahon shares update on Tigers guard appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Naismith Trophy announced the 15-player watch list on Thursday afternoon. It includes Mississippi State guard Shakeel Moore, Kentucky forward Oscar Tshiebwe and Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler.

Moore made the list despite coming off the bench for the Bulldogs this season. He’s started just 1 game so far this season, but is averaging an impressive 2.2 steals per contest.

Tshiebwe has once again prove himself as one of the best bigs in the country. In addition to his 16.6 points per game, he’s also averaging 13.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1 block per contest. Last season, Tshiebwe was a finalist for this award which was eventually won by Auburn center Walker Kessler.

Zeigler is a sophomore with the Vols. He’s been a key part of what is statistically the best defense in the country this season. The Vols rank No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency by a wide margin, per KenPom. Zeigler, a 5-foot-9 guard, is averaging 2.3 steals per game.

Finalists for this award will be announced in the coming weeks.

The post 3 SEC players make watch list for Defensive Player of the Year appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The game featured Loyola Chicago vs. Duquesne in the second half of action. With the two teams battling it out on one end of the court, someone delivering an Uber Eats order walked right out onto the corner of the court.

Stoppage in Play. Uber Eats delivery guy goes on court with food delivery in the middle of the Duquesne game. pic.twitter.com/rY4VFIsJnR

— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) January 26, 2023

Play was halted to resolve the situation while the announcers did a fantastic job calling the situation throughout.

“From Uber Eats delivery or something? He’s carrying some McDonald’s,” one announcer began in trying to describe the delay. “I’m actually not kidding, I think that’s what’s happening.”

“Was he going to deliver the McDonald’s to someone on the court? Can we rule that out?,” the broadcast counterpart questioned.

“There he is! Who’s he delivering it to, the ref?”

“He said later, give it to me later. Not now!”

As far as unpredictable delays go in college basketball, this one might take the cake. Or in this case, the Big Mac!

The post College basketball game interrupted by Uber Eats delivery person stepping on court appeared first on Saturday Down South.

On Wednesday, Missouri unveiled a glimpse at the uniforms to be worn on Saturday. The throwback look incorporates a gold stripe inside a pair of black stripes on the collar, shoulders and waistband of the shorts. The classic Block M in gold starts “Missouri” on the front of the uniform with a tiger paw also adorning the shorts.

The look has generated an overwhelmingly positive reaction on social media with many fans calling for the look to be added to the permanent rotation. Check out the combination:

??? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ??????? ???…

New look Saturday for a throwback rivalry#MIZ ? pic.twitter.com/s7w2eJiBUp

— Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) January 26, 2023

The two sides have met 236 times on the court with Missouri leading the all-time series 150-86. Iowa State has won 2 straight in the series with the Cyclones beating Missouri 67-50 last season in Ames, Iowa.

Saturday’s tip-off is set for 2 pm ET on ESPN2.

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Per college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Fudge will miss Wednesday’s game against the struggling Gamecocks.

The reason cited by Rothstein is a head injury for Fudge, who transferred from LSU to Florida prior to this season:

Florida's Alex Fudge (head) is OUT for tonight's game against South Carolina, per a school spokesman. Averages 7.5 PPG and 5.1 RPG. Gators have won four of their last five games.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 25, 2023

Fudge has appeared in 19 games for the Gators, making 11 starts. He’s averaging 7.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in 22.6 minutes per contest.

Wednesday night’s SEC matchup in Gainesville is set to tip off at 7 p.m. Eastern time and can be seen on ESPN2.

The post Florida to be without key forward vs. South Carolina, per report appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Arkansas comeback?

Somewhere in the Hogs’ 1-5 SEC start, their struggles became pretty easy to spot. Yes, losing Nick Smith was critical, and before that, losing transfer big Trevon Brazile was more important than many first thought. But Arkansas had been dreadful in conference play in shooting and defending the 3. In those 5 conference losses, the Hogs had games where they shot 16, 13 and 20% from long range. They also had games where they allowed opponents to shoot 56 and 45% from 3-point distance. The good news is that the problem has been remedied, whether by playing 2 poor teams in Ole Miss and LSU, or by shooting 40% and 39% from distance in those games, or by holding the opponents to a combined 6 3-pointers made.

The Razorbacks finish the month with a trip to Baylor and a home game against Texas A&M. Both are opportunities to test whether Arkansas has really revived, or the schedule was simply favorable. Ricky Council and Anthony Black have been an excellent one-two punch, and if Arkansas ever gets Smith back, they could yet surprise the league and the nation. Saturday is a good test run in that quest.

Kentucky again?

Meanwhile, after the coaching obituary columns flowed freely after Kentucky’s still unintelligible home loss to South Carolina, John Calipari is proving rumors of his demise to be greatly exaggerated. Kentucky has rallied to 5-3 in SEC play and may yet play its way into a decent NCAA Tournament seed. The temporary loss of guard Sahvir Wheeler has forced scorers Antonio Reeves and CJ Fredrick into bigger roles. Meanwhile, Oscar Tshiebwe has looked more like the defending National Player of the Year, which of course, he is.

Kentucky has tightened its rotations and is using Wheeler as a spark off the bench, rather than the focal point of UK’s offense. The Wildcats shot 56% in Tuesday’s win over Vanderbilt and Tshiebwe has 67 rebounds in UK’s 4-game winning streak. Jacob Toppin is even showing signs of consistency, and Calipari could be preparing another of his late-season UK turnarounds, perhaps best illustrated in 2011’s run to the Final Four and 2014’s run to the national title game.

Auburn contending

Meanwhile, Auburn has snuck its way to a 6-1 SEC start. After a puzzling loss to Georgia to open the month, the Tigers haven’t lost since, and if they can survive a home tilt with Texas A&M, they have an excellent chance to best West Virginia and enter February with a 7-game winning streak.

Auburn is holding opponents under 38% shooting and to a 22% mark from 3-point range. Johni Broome has been a pivotal plug-and-play transfer, and veteran role guys like Zep Jasper make Auburn a frustrating opponent. The Tigers might not be overwhelming, but they’ve been successful.

The hot seat

It can’t be much of a secret, but Ole Miss is pretty terrible. The 9-11 Rebels are the lone squad with 1 conference win that’s not led by a brand new head coach. Kermit Davis is now 73-72 overall at Ole Miss and 31-49 in conference play. He’s 0-2 in postseason play and 0-1 in NCAA Tournament games.

Davis won 20 games in his first year in Oxford, but hasn’t done so since. His predecessor, Andy Kennedy, won 20 games 9 times in 12 seasons (and won 19 games in one of the other 3). Look for new AD Allen Greene to make a move after the season. Ole Miss might struggle to exist in the upper echelon of the SEC, but given how the SEC’s younger coaches have performed, don’t be surprised if the Rebels go young.

The NCAA hunt

BracketMatrix has Alabama tied with Purdue as the nation’s 2 teams both universally garnered 1 seeds in the 79 brackets comprising the site’s composite NCAA field. Tennessee stands as the top No. 2 seed in the projected field, with over a dozen projecting the Vols as a top seed, but on the other hand, a few bracket projectors looking at UT to fall to a No. 3.

Auburn sits solidly as a No. 5 seed and a team listed in every NCAA projection. Arkansas is forecast as a No. 8 seed and is likewise included in every NCAA field. Missouri is projected as a No. 10 seed and was chosen in 74 of the 79 projections, while Kentucky is currently a No. 11 seed and 1 of the final teams in the composite bracket. Florida and Mississippi State were both chosen in just 1 projected bracket, while Texas A&M remains outside any projected bracket.

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has Bama and UT as No. 1 seeds, Auburn as a No. 6, Arkansas as a No. 8, Missouri as a 10 seed, and Kentucky as a No. 12 seed. The Wildcats are Lunardi’s next-to-last team in the field.

Games to watch

Among a multitude of big games to watch are the SEC/Big 12 Challenge matchups. Here’s our highlights of the week to come:

Texas A&M at Auburn (Wednesday): The Tigers are a 4.5-point favorite, but this is a chance for the Aggies to pick up another big win and move to 6-1 in league play.

Kansas at Kentucky (Saturday): With the Jayhawks stumbling into Rupp, this game doesn’t feel quite as uneven as it did. But Kentucky could use a quality win as they still look to offset that Quad 4 loss to South Carolina.

Arkansas at Baylor (Saturday): Again, are the Razorbacks better … or have they just feasted off little fish? We’ll know soon enough. Baylor just beat Kansas.

Texas at Tennessee (Saturday): A pair of top-10 teams meet in the “Rick Barnes Bowl.” UT has a legitimate shot at a No. 1 seed and this win might push them up a notch in that pecking order.

The post SEC basketball notebook: Arkansas, Kentucky trending up, a coach on the hot seat and more appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Ewin has missed the Rebels’ last 3 games. Coach Kermit Davis has cited “personal reasons” for the freshman’s absence.

Per a report from On3 Sports, Ewin is not expected to face criminal charges in regards to the incident:

#OleMiss basketball's Malique Ewin involved in fatal auto 'incident' https://t.co/RQLazZzCjJ

— Jake Thompson (@JakeThompsonOn3) January 24, 2023

The university released a statement on the matter, but didn’t confirm Ewin’s involvement:

“The University of Mississippi Police Department is investigating a one-car motor vehicle incident that occurred Jan. 13 involving a student that resulted in the death of a visitor to campus. The victim initially sustained severe injuries and was taken by helicopter to a Memphis hospital, where they later died from their injuries. Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Due to the ongoing investigation and protections outlined under FERPA, we are not at liberty to share any more information at this time, including the student’s name.”

Ewin has played in 14 games for the Rebels this year, making 0 starts. He’s averaging 1.4 points and 1.1 rebounds in 6.1 minutes per game. There has been no word about if or when Ewin might return to the team.

The post Ole Miss men’s basketball player involved in fatal car incident, per report appeared first on Saturday Down South.

On Tuesday, ESPN expert Joe Lunardi released his latest projections for the field of 68 March Madness teams, and he included 6 SEC squads.

As you can see below, Alabama and Tennessee are both No. 1 seeds. Kentucky was 1 of the last 4 teams in the field and Florida was on the “Next Four Out” line:

• Alabama — No. 1 seed (Midwest)
• Tennessee — No. 1 seed (East)
• Auburn — No. 6 seed (East)
• Arkansas — No. 8 seed (South)
• Mizzou — No. 10 seed (South)
• Kentucky — No. 12 seed (Midwest)
• Florida — Next Four Out

Who will get an invitation to the Big Dance on Selection Sunday this year? Every game from here on out will be very important as teams try to move up to higher seeds before the tournament tips off.

The post NCAA Tournament Bracketology 2023: Joe Lunardi’s latest projections feature 6 SEC teams appeared first on Saturday Down South.

That’s according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, who notes that Purdue is also solidly in that discussion. The Boilermakers and Crimson Tide are also the top 2 teams in this week’s AP Top 25 poll.

Per Lunardi, Alabama and Purdue are “as solid as can be” in the hunt for a No. 1 seed.

2023 NCAA Tournament Bracketology https://t.co/OvAOuBEhp8. ?? All we know for sure in terms of No. 1 seeds is that Purdue and Alabama are as solid as can be. Houston and Kansas put themselves in a tenuous position with home-court losses this past weekend,…

— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) January 24, 2023

Houston, Tennessee and Kansas are currently the other top contenders to land a No. 1 seed, per Lunardi. Alabama will face the Vols in Knoxville on Feb. 15.

If Alabama does land the top seed, it would be its first in program history. The Crimson Tide have been a No. 2 seed in 3 different NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2021.

Alabama has won 8 straight games, including a victory over Kentucky and a road win at Arkansas. The Tide are 17-2 overall and 7-0 in SEC play.

Alabama will host Mississippi State on Wednesday as it looks to improve to 8-0 in conference play.

The post Alabama is ‘solid as can be’ in race for No. 1 seed, per ESPN’s Joe Lunardi appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Crimson Tide are now the No. 2 team in the country for the first time since the 2002-03 season. Of course, that season didn’t end well, as the Tide were unranked by the end of the regular season, lost their first game in the SEC Tournament and fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Things feel different for this Alabama team under Nate Oats, though. The Tide are cruising through SEC play thus far and looking every bit like a Final Four contender.

Purdue, behind the solid play of big man Zach Edey, is at No. 1 in the rankings this week.

Elsewhere in the poll, Tennessee checks in at No. 4 and Auburn is at No. 15. Arkansas, Mizzou and Kentucky are among the teams also receiving votes.

Take a look at the full top 25 rankings here:

AP Men’s Basketball Top 25:

#1 Purdue
#2 Alabama
#3 Houston
#4 Tennessee
#5 Kansas State
#6 Arizona
#7 Virginia
#8 UCLA
#9 Kansas
#10 Texas
#11 TCU
#12 Iowa State
#13 Xavier
#14 Gonzaga
#15 Auburn
#16 Marquette
#17 Baylor
#18 Charleston
#19 UConn
#20 Miami
#21 Florida Atlantic
#22 Saint Mary’s
#23 Providence
#24 Clemson
#25 New Mexico

Also receiving votes: 

Duke 102, Indiana 61, San Diego State 57, Rutgers 31, Kent State 24, North Carolina 12, Michigan State 10, Creighton 9, Illinois 9, Arkansas 9, Missouri 8, Wisconsin 6, North Carolina State 4, Kentucky 3, VCU 2, Boise State 2, Memphis 1, Wake Forest 1, Oral Roberts 1

The post AP Men’s Basketball Poll, Jan. 23: 3 SEC teams included in top 25 rankings appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The former Alabama basketball player is one of two men charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Jamea Jonae Harris last Sunday. Miles is being held without bond ahead of a probable cause hearing that has been set for Feb. 7. Miles was quickly dismissed from the basketball team after appearing in 53 games over 3 seasons.

Oats felt a line was crossed by some in the student section, but he also commended Missouri head coach Dennis Gates and the MU administration for how they handled the situation, per The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Dave Matter, saying “they got them outta there.”

Nate Oats says he heard some comments from the Mizzou student section about the Darius Miles situation. "But they got them outta there." He credited Dennis Gates & Mizzou's administration.

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) January 22, 2023

Nate Oats said he heard some inappropriate comments re: Darius Miles situation from the Mizzou student section, but didn't want to address it. Says they got offender out, praised Dennis Gates and MU administration. Says sometimes college students don't understand severity.

— Matt Stahl (@mattstahl97) January 22, 2023

Oats said prior to the game on Saturday he warned his team opposing crowds could bring up the situation.

“This isn’t something students should be joking about,” he said then, per AL.com’s Mike Rodak. “We have addressed it with our guys, and I hope the different schools we go to, the leadership there is making sure that they’ve got that under control, as well.”

The 4th-ranked Crimson Tide return home to host Mississippi State next Wednesday, Jan. 25. They head back out onto the road next Saturday, Jan. 28, to face Oklahoma in Norman.

The post Nate Oats says Missouri fans were removed after ‘inappropriate’ comments regarding Darius Miles appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Though not originally called live during the game, Tshiebwe eventually received a flagrant foul after a review of one incident. After getting tangled up with Marble while running down the court, Tshiebwe delivered an elbow that caught Marble around the chin.

Oscar Tshiebwe socks Texas A&M player in the face pic.twitter.com/fiI5ULt7n9

— swole (@SwoleShiesty317) January 21, 2023

Shortly after that incident, Marble fouled Tshiebwe hard on a play. Marble would be flagged for a technical foul for shoving Tshiebwe out of bounds.

With that game heading to 8 minutes remaining in the second half, Kentucky has clawed ahead for a 56-53 lead. It’s shaping up to be a dramatic — and chippy — finish in Rupp Arena.

The post Oscar Tshiebwe, Julius Marble involved in tense exchange during Texas A&M-Kentucky matchup appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The 9th-ranked Vols will take on the 7th-ranked Longhorns in a game that could have seeding implications for the NCAA Tournament. The Vols are 15-3 overall and 5-1 in the SEC. The Longhorns are also 15-3 and 4-2 in the Big 12.

Knoxville, we’re coming to your cityyyyy ?@TexasMBB | @Vol_Hoops pic.twitter.com/9w5Je5HN7S

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) January 21, 2023

College GameDay heading to Thomspon-Boling Arena gives Tennessee a unique distinction. According to Dan Harralson of Vols Wire, Tennessee will be the only school to have hosted College GameDay for football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball.

Per UT, Tennessee is the only school to have hosted ESPN College GameDay for football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball.

— Dan Harralson (@danharralson) January 21, 2023

The Vols’ football team hosted College GameDay multiple times in 2022, ahead of the Florida contest and ahead of the Alabama game. The Lady Vols will host College GameDay on Thursday, Jan. 26 when UConn comes to town. The men’s basketball team will finally join the GameDay party against Texas.

The post College GameDay heading to Knoxville for pivotal top-10 matchup appeared first on Saturday Down South.

One of the top games headlining the weekend is Texas A&M traveling to face Kentucky in the afternoon. The Aggies will put a perfect 5-0 record in SEC play on the line while Kentucky is coming off back-to-back wins after upsetting Tennessee and beating Georgia.

Alabama — No. 4 nationally and a perfect 6-0 in league play — will hit the road for a matchup against Mizzou. The Tigers most recently upset Arkansas at home but have losses to Texas A&M and Florida on the road prior to that win.

All of Saturday’s action gets started with an Ole Miss vs. Arkansas matchup. Here is the full slate of Saturday’s games:

• Ole Miss at Arkansas — 12 pm ET, ESPN2
• Vanderbilt at Georgian — 1 pm ET, SEC Network
• Texas A&M at Kentucky — 2 pm ET, ESPN
• Auburn at South Carolina — 3:30 pm ET, SEC
• Tennessee at LSU — 4 pm ET, ESPN
• Alabama at Mizzou — 6 pm ET, SEC
• Florida at Mississippi State — 8:30 pm ET, SEC

It’s ???? ???

Check ‘em out#SECMBB pic.twitter.com/sWc3ril3Kb

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) January 21, 2023

The post SEC basketball schedule for Saturday, Jan. 21 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Miller was 1 of 4 freshmen named to the midseason watch list for the Oscar Robertson Trophy on Thursday afternoon. Miller is joined by fellow freshmen Gradey Dick (Kansas), Kyle Filipowski (Kansas) and Keyonte George (Baylor). A total of 50 players were named to the watch list.

Miller is a big reason why Alabama is one of the top teams in the country this season. He has led the Crimson Tide with 20.1 points per contest to start the year.

He’s a major miss-match for opposing defenses. At 6-foot-9, Miller is one of the top shooters in the country. He’s hitting 46.2% of his 3-point attempts to start this season on a volume of 7.2 tries per game. He’s also an excellent defensive player.

That combination of size, skill and shooting ability has Miller as one of the top prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Alabama is 16-2 on the season and is the No. 4 team in the country, per KenPom’s latest rankings.

The Oscar Robertson Trophy, voted on by the USBWA, has been awarded to the nation’s best player since 1958-59.

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The Tigers are now ranked No. 21 nationally, per the metric. They crushed LSU 67-49 in Baton Rouge on Wednesday night.

Auburn is the third highest-ranked SEC team in the NET so far this season. Tennessee and Alabama are at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. The next highest-ranked SEC program is Arkansas at No. 27.

Auburn has won 4 straight contests and 6 of its last 7. Its only loss during that span came against Georgia on the road back on Jan. 4. That’s also the Tigers’ lone SEC defeat so far this season.

So far this season, Auburn has been led by Wendell Green, Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams. All 3 of those players are scoring in double figures this season. Green leads the team in assists with 3.8 per contest while Broome paces everyone with 8.5 rebounds per game. Williams is second on the team in both categories.

Auburn is a big favorite to extend its winning streak to 5 games this weekend. The Tigers will go on the road to face South Carolina. The Gamecocks are 1-4 in the SEC this season.

The post Auburn basketball moves up several spots in NET rankings after blowout win vs. LSU appeared first on Saturday Down South.

According to McMahon, Hill is stepping away from the Tigers program for the time being. The decision is for personal reasons and not for any disciplinary issues, per McMahon. There is currently no timetable for a return for Hill.

Matt McMahon says guard Justice Hill is away from the program for the time being. Not disciplinary but rather personal reasons.

No timeline on a potential return to the team McMahon says.#LSU

— Glen West (@glenwest21) January 19, 2023

Hill has been an important piece for LSU this season with 16 starts and is third on the team while averaging 26.6 minutes per game. He also leads the Tigers with 3.5 assists per game and has averaged 6.9 points, 2 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 30% from the field.

Hill is currently in his first season at LSU after beginning his career at Murray State. We will see if Hill is able to get back onto the court for the Tigers this season.

The post Justice Hill takes leave of absence from LSU program appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The Aggies forgot their uniforms at the team hotel. They warmed up in practice uniforms, then once the mistake was realized, a staffer had to return to the hotel to retrieve the uniforms, forcing a delay in the game’s tipoff. Florida got a one-shot technical because of the delay, and the game opened with a 1-0 Florida lead on the scoreboard.

With the Gators in College Station Wednesday night, the program’s social team had a little fun at the Aggies’ expense.

Secured pic.twitter.com/q1nvghDsJP

— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) January 18, 2023

Florida got its jokes off, but the Gators are hoping for a win.

The first meeting in Gainesville went to the Aggies. A&M blew an 11-point halftime lead, but held on for a 66-63 win. Wade Taylor IV got a floater to fall with 42 seconds left to put the Aggies up by 2, then Tyrese Radford drew a charge against Florida’s Trey Bonham with 7 seconds to go to help seal the win.

The post Florida trolls Texas A&M over forgotten uniform mishap appeared first on Saturday Down South.

But, behind an incredible 37-point, 24-rebound effort from reigning National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe, the Wildcats pulled away in the second half to take down the Bulldogs.

Now they’re being rewarded for that win in ESPN bracketology expert Joe Lunardi’s latest NCAA Tournament projections. As you can see below, the Tuesday night victory propelled Kentucky to the last spot in the field:

pic.twitter.com/67U8d7FqwH

— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) January 18, 2023

Kentucky improved to 12-6 overall and 3-3 in SEC play with the win.

Lunardi now has 6 SEC teams in his field of 68. Alabama is currently a No. 1 seed, with Tennessee on the No. 2 seed line.

The post Kentucky cracks NCAA Tournament field (just barely) in Joe Lunardi’s latest bracketology update appeared first on Saturday Down South.

A&M arriving

Coming off a season where the Aggies were basically backdoored out of the NCAA Tournament, Buzz Williams’s team had some expectations entering the season. Then, they did things like lose to Colorado by 28, lose to Boise by 15, and lose to Wofford. But A&M has opened SEC play at a 4-0 clip. Granted, their biggest win yet has been to Missouri, but when the Aggies go +20 and +30 on the glass, as they did in their past 2 games, then Buzz Williams’ guys might just make some March noise. Wade Taylor is averaging 16 points per game in league play, and was 7-for-14 in A&M’s past 2 games. Will it continue?

Will the real Kentucky please stand up …

Which UK is real? I’m not sure John Calipari even knows.

Kentucky 1) lost a soul-crushing home game against lowly South Carolina, then 2) won in Knoxville, and then 3) let Georgia score at will in a home game in the first half Tuesday, trailing by 8 at intermission, and finally 4) blew Georgia away in the second half on a 37-and-24 game from Oscar Tshiebwe.

Which UK is the real UK? All of them? None of them? Who knows. Sahvir Wheeler’s inconsistency at both ends of the court have made it harder for John Calipari to keep leaning on him, and UK might finally just cast its team behind Cason Wallace at point guard. Or something else bizarre and unexpected might happen.

Bama balling

Alabama obviously is dealing with some very serious issues off the court.

On the court? Alabama is 6-0 in the league with an average victory margin of 21 points. Brandon Miller is leading the league in scoring in conference play, and has done so while shooting almost 58% overall, including a cool 22-for-44 from 3-point range. But defense might be the hidden key here — Bama has held SEC foes to 33.4% shooting. That’s 1.5% ahead of 2nd-place Tennessee, and a full 4.2% better than 3rd-place Florida. The Tide are also hitting 11 3-point shots per game in SEC play, which is miles ahead of UT in 2nd place with 7.5 treys per game. Can it last? It’s worth noting that Alabama has yet to lose a game in which it hasn’t had 19+ turnovers. Protect the ball and the Tide should be fine.

Arkansas’ struggles continue

On the other hand, Arkansas hasn’t been fine. The “will he/won’t he” Nick Smith situation is doing no one any favors, and who knows when or if Smith will ever play for Arkansas again. And the Hogs opened SEC play at 1-4. A big problem is, frankly, shooting. Arkansas is 343rd in D1 basketball in 3-point percentage, shooting a sickly 29.1% from long range. And two of the better shooters were Smith and Trevon Brazile, who is out for the year. In their past 2 SEC games, meanwhile, Arkansas has allowed Alabama and Vandy to shoot a combined 19-for-38 from 3-point territory as the Hogs lost both games. Considering that the schedule still includes trips to Alabama, Mizzou, Baylor, and Tennessee, the 12-5 Hogs could well lose double-digit games. And could still be dangerous in March.

Bracket update

BracketMatrix’s most recent projections have just 5 SEC teams in the NCAA Tournament field — and Joe Lunardi agrees. In the BM bracket (which is a combination of dozens of alleged expert bracket predictions), Alabama has earned a top seed and UT is a No. 2 seed. Auburn is slated for a 5 seed, Arkansas for a No. 6, and Missouri for a No. 9 seed. Kentucky and Mississippi State are the No. 3 and 4 teams out in BM’s bracket, while Lunardi has UK as the last team out of the NCAA field, with Texas A&M 2 spots below.

Games to watch

A few highlights from the week to come:

Arkansas at Mizzou (Wednesday): This game probably wasn’t circled on preseason calendars, but the Tigers are a slight home favorite over the Hogs, who could use a win to not fall to 1-5 in SEC play. Meanwhile, Mizzou has stumbled a bit lately and will be looking to rebound.

Texas A&M at Kentucky (Saturday): Is either team for real? Can either team score enough to put the other away? Feels like an olden day slugfest of the 58-50 nature.

Tennessee at LSU (Saturday): The Vols did lose to Kentucky, but it felt a little fluky, particularly in light of how many open UT shots just fell off the rim. The Vols bounced back and want to keep momentum with a road win.

LSU at Arkansas (Tuesday): The Tigers have lost SEC momentum and particularly if the Mizzou game doesn’t go Arkansas’s way, Arkansas could really use a win here.

The post SEC basketball notebook: A&M arrives, Alabama thrives, Kentucky revives (maybe?) and more appeared first on Saturday Down South.

But as a recruit, the Raleigh, North Carolina native was completely turned off by the Tar Heels.

Wall was a guest on the Run Your Race podcast with former Carolina guard Theo Pinson on Tuesday. In the interview, Wall said North Carolina was his top choice to attend college until the Tar Heels messed things up.

“I wanted to go to Carolina, that’s my dream school. I’ll tell you the story about that, a lot of people don’t know that. They f—d it up,” Wall said. “They was the only one that could have gotten me not to go play for Coach Cal. Because my mom had gotten sick, had an aneurysm … and I’m like, ‘I can’t leave home, I’ve got to stay close. That’s my best friend.'”

And Wall said NC State wasn’t on the table because he felt it would be so close to home that he’d never be on campus.

But why wasn’t UNC involved? Wall recalled a slight from former UNC standout Tyler Hansbrough when he was on his visit.

“So I go on the visit, Ty Lawson and them are there. Tyler Hansbrough’s got his own section,” Wall said. “I’m the recruit, I walk up and say, ‘What’s up.’ He said, ‘I don’t talk to recruits.’ I was like, ‘F—k you, I ain’t never coming here.’ That f—d it up right there.

“I really went up to him to shake his hand. He’s the national player of the year, just won a championship. I’m like, I want to talk to Tyler Hansbrough. … I’m like, ‘I need to meet Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough, this is a dream come true for me.’ School I loved growing up. He did that and I’m like, ‘I got something for him.’

Wall didn’t get to meet Hansbrough on the court, but he did get to face North Carolina at Rupp Arena during his lone season with Big Blue.

On Dec. 5, 2009, Wall helped lead a 68-66 win over Carolina with 16 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.

UNC finished that 2009-10 season in the NIT at 20-17. Kentucky went 35-3 with Wall leading the way but dropped out of the NCAA Tournament in the Elite Eight.

This story on why John Wall chose Kentucky over his “dream school” UNC is wild ?

Via @tpinsonn pic.twitter.com/kzxP0D2Cab

— Prep Hoops ? (@PrepHoops) January 17, 2023

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Per court filings published by AL.com, Miles admitted to providing the hand gun that was later used by Michael Lynn Davis in the shooting. Both men are currently being held without bond on capital murder charges, per the report.

Here’s an excerpt of the charge sheet released on Tuesday:

On Jan. 15, 2023, Darius Miles aided and abetted Michael Davis in the crime of capital murder of Jamea Harris. Michael Davis shot and killed Jamea Harris while she was in the passenger seat of a vehicle stopped in the 500 block of Grace Street in Tuscaloosa. She was struck once by gunfire and died shortly afterwards. Darius Miles admitted to providing Michael Davis with the handgun immediately prior to the shooting.

Earlier in the week, Miles’ attorney released the following statement:

“Darius Miles and his family are heartbroken tonight over the death of Jamea Jonae Harris. While Darius has been accused of being involved with this tragedy, he maintains his innocence and looks forward to his day in court. Our firm’s own investigation is ongoing, and no further statement will be made at this time.”

Miles has been dismissed from Alabama’s basketball team. He played in 53 games over the past 3 seasons for the Crimson Tide, making 3 starts.

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The Auburn product finished the game with 20 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists. Kessler is now the only Utah rookie in franchise history have a 20-point, 20-rebound game.

? Walker is the first Jazz rookie to have a 20-point/20-rebound game ?#TakeNote | @WalkerKessler13 pic.twitter.com/tBHXV90Kgy

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 16, 2023

Walker Kessler is the first rookie in Jazz franchise history to record 20+ PTS and 20+ REB in a game.

He's also the first rookie to drop 20+ PTS and 20+ REB on 65%+ shooting since 1993. pic.twitter.com/KswOeUU1xD

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) January 16, 2023

Kessler was originally drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in first round of the 2022 NBA Draft before getting traded to the Timberwolves, and then to the Jazz on draft night. Kessler has played in 43 games for Utah this season and averages 7.2 points per game.

The Jazz received Malik Beasley, Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt, Patrick Beverly, and multiple first-round picks for Rudy Gobert in the trade. Utah also traded Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the offseason as well.

It’ll be interesting to see how far Kessler rides this hot stretch of play. The Jazz are 23-24 on the year with a home matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers up next.

The post Walker Kessler, former Auburn standout, makes Utah Jazz rookie history appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Jans has Mississippi State basketball sitting at 12-5 through his first 17 games as head coach. The Bulldogs coach stated that the his team’s style of play mirrors that of the community.

“I think every new coach at some point when they arrived pleads with the fans to give them a chance. Now that I’ve been here for months, I truly feel that our style of play mirrors the community in terms of blue collar mentality. We roll our sleeves up and get after it every day and I think the people that I’ve met and gotten to know share that same approach for the most part.”

Fans will have to wait until Tuesday to see if that mentality will be enough to beat Tennessee. The Volunteers suffered their first SEC loss against Kentucky on Saturday. The first matchup between Mississippi State and Tennessee ended with an 87-53 Bulldogs loss.

The fans will need show up in great numbers to help their team earn the win over Tennessee. The game will tipoff at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

(H/T 247Sports)

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At Tuesday’s presser, Jans received a question about if playing the Volunteers already has played a part in the preparation for round two. The first time around Tennessee beat Mississippi State 87-53.

Jans stated that he didn’t really show his team any clips from that game.

That was the game where we talked about it in this very room that we didn’t show them any particular clips from that game. I haven’t done that in a long, long time as a head coach and I don’t remember when I actually didn’t do that. But I just felt at that point and juncture in the schedule, there wouldn’t be much positive coming out of that.

Now the team has gone back and watched the tape leading up to the second meeting. Jans has a better understanding of how the game got so out of hand.

But now, we’re having to go back and watch it in preparation for this game. It was just a combination of Tennessee playing really, really well, getting hot early and the basket looking really big and us getting off to a horrible start. We just dug ourselves such a deep hole on the road against such a good team. We had no chance to win the game at that point if you go back and watch it.

Tipoff will be live from Starkville Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

(H/T 247Sports)

The post Chris Jans answers how much first game with Tennessee hoops plays into rematch appeared first on Saturday Down South.

The last time that Mississippi State played Tennessee, the Bulldogs lost by a score of 87-53. That is one of the only double-digit losses in Jans’ first year at the helm. A pair of recent close SEC losses came from Auburn and Georgia in the Bulldogs last two games.

Jans revealed what his message to the team has been as of late.

“We were confident going into both of these games on the road. I told them before we left and reminded them a couple of times before we tipped that we expected to win this game, talking about the Georgia game on Wednesday and then the Auburn game (last Saturday). Our goal was to be 2-0 after this trip and we had a good couple of days of preparation for each particular game.”

Mississippi State will be hoping to avoid another blowout loss to the Volunteers. This time around, the game will be in Starkville.

Tipoff will be Tuesday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2. Can Jans lead Mississippi State to even up the season series with Tennessee?

(H/T 247Sports)

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The Wildcats came into Knoxville with a record of 10-6 to take on No. 5 Tennessee. After a strong start in the first half, Kentucky held on to win 63-56 over a top-10 Tennessee squad in Knoxville for the first time in men’s program history.

KENTUCKY TAKES DOWN TENNESSEE

It's the first time @KentuckyMBB has defeated a top-10 Vols team in Knoxville ? pic.twitter.com/pdXqXqTgwU

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 14, 2023

Forward Oscar Tshiebwe (15 points) and guard CJ Fredrick (13 points) were the key starters for the Wildcats while guard Antonio Reeves (18 points) provided extra support off the bench.

Kentucky shot 18-of-51 (35.3%) in field goals and 22-of-25 (88%) at the free-throw line. Tennessee was 23-of-57 (40.4%) in field goals but only got to the free-throw line for 10 attempts.

Kentucky came into the game with a 0-3 record versus top 25 teams. The Wildcats have won their second SEC game this season in the first 5 games in SEC play. This loss to Kentucky is Tennessee’s first loss in SEC play.

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On Saturday, the University of Tennessee retired the No. 5 jersey during the Volunteers’ big home game against Kentucky. Lofton is a three-time All-SEC selection, a two-time consensus second-team All-American, and a 2007 AP SEC Player of the Year.

Congrats to Chris Lofton, got his jersey retired at the University of Tennessee..one of the best competitors I’ve been on the court with. Respect #5

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 14, 2023

During the ceremony, Durant took to Twitter to congratulate Lofton for his achievement and appreciation from the Volunteers’ basketball program.

Durant and Lofton had an epic matchup on the court on Dec. 23, 2006, in Knoxville. Durant scored 26 points shooting 10-of-22 and 6-of-7 at the free-throw line.

Lofton’s performance propelled the Volunteers to a 111-105 victory in overtime. Lofton scored 35 points, shooting 8-of-24 in field goals, 7-of-16 from the 3-point arc, and 6-of-7 at the free-throw line. He also accounted for 11 rebounds and a steal.

Lofton joins Dale Ellis (#14), Allen Houston (#20), Bernard King (#53), and Ernie Grunfeld (#22) as the only players for Tennessee’s men’s basketball program to have its numbers retired.

The post Kevin Durant tweets congratulations to Chris Lofton after Tennessee retired his No. 5 jersey appeared first on Saturday Down South.

Tennessee held a jersey retirement ceremony at halftime of UT’s game Saturday against Kentucky. Lofton joins Bernard King, Ernie Grunfeld, Allan Houston and Dale Ellis as Tennessee men’s basketball players to have their jersey numbers retired. Houston and Candace Parker were among those on hand for Saturday’s ceremony.

The #LoftonLegacy forever on Rocky Top pic.twitter.com/NEdbVhwqkz

— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) January 14, 2023

To the rafters forever #LoftonLegacy pic.twitter.com/KC5Y5lrzkq

— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) January 14, 2023

The fifth @Vol_Hoops player to have his jersey retired: Chris Lofton ? pic.twitter.com/w4vHZ78Tif

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 14, 2023

Lofton played at Tennessee from 2004-08. He’s known as the 3-point king for his SEC record 431 career 3-pointers. He was an AP All-American during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons.

Lofton quietly underwent cancer treatments after a diagnosis following his junior season. As a senior, he started all 36 games and led Tennessee to 31 wins averaging 15.5 points per game, earning a spot on the Wooden All-America Team. Lofton’s battle with cancer did not become public knowledge until after his senior season concluded.

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No. 4 Alabama and No. 5 Tennessee are the conference’s top 2 teams. Both squads are 4-0 in SEC play and on 5-game winning streaks. The Crimson Tide host an LSU team that is 1-3 against conference opponents and looking to end a 3-game skid. The Volunteers are also at home, ready to face the struggling Kentucky Wildcats. UT will hold a halftime ceremony to retire Kentucky native Chris Lofton’s No. 5 jersey.

Texas A&M is unranked, but the Aggies are one of the SEC’s hottest teams. Buzz Williams’ squad is 3-0 in conference play and has won each of its last 5 times out. The Aggies will look to keep that momentum going on the road at South Carolina.

Here’s the full schedule:
All times ET

• Kentucky at No. 5 Tennessee (noon, ESPN)
• Georgia at Ole Miss (1 p.m., SEC Network)
• No. 15 Arkansas at Vanderbilt (2 p.m., ESPNU)
• No. 20 Missouri at Florida (3:30 p.m., SEC Network)
• LSU at No. 4 Alabama (4 p.m., ESPN)
• Texas A&M at South Carolina (6 p.m., SEC Network)
• Mississippi State at No. 21 Auburn (8:30 p.m., SEC Network)

The post SEC basketball schedule for Saturday, January 14 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

“We had number 5 and the other team didn’t. He made all the difference in the world,” Pearl said.

On the court, Pearl remembers Lofton as one of the hardest workers and most disciplined players. Pearl recalled that after succeeding Buzz Peterson he was worried about losing Lofton in a transfer back to one of the powerhouse programs in his home state of Kentucky. Lofton stayed at Tennessee, and the rest is history. Lofton is the SEC’s all-time leader in 3-pointers, with 431 made during his career.

Lofton underwent cancer treatments between his junior and senior seasons in Knoxville. Pearl voiced admiration for Lofton outliving cancer and all the awareness and fundraising he has done.

After cancer treatments, Lofton played a senior season that earned him recognition as a 2008 Wooden All-America Team selection. He earned his UT degree in 2010.

"We had number 5 and the other team didn't."

Former Vols head coach Bruce Pearl on Chris Lofton's jersey retirement this Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena,

Courtesy: @AuburnMBB pic.twitter.com/pnpm9MHEKJ

— Karthik Venkataraman (@KarthikV_) January 12, 2023

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Before the SEC co-opted the slogan, college basketball at the University of Kentucky could be said to just mean more. More than in the rest of the SEC, certainly. Maybe more than in all but a handful of blue-blood programs in NCAA basketball. Which is why since the last 5 minutes of a Final Four game against Wisconsin in 2015, John Calipari’s tenure in Lexington has grown increasingly complicated.

Before Frank Kaminsky and his Badgers stole the mojo of Kentucky’s perfect season, Calipari and Kentucky looked like a match made in hoops heaven. In 6 seasons in Lexington, Calipari had delivered 4 Final Four teams, and the school’s 8th NCAA title. Yes, there had been hiccups. Like the John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins-led 2010 team getting knocked out in the NCAA Elite Eight. Or the 2014 team losing to an incredibly ho-hum UConn team after managing to sneak into the national championship game. But those were minor problems.

But sometime around the final minutes of that 2015 NCAA semifinal, a switch flipped. Since 2015, Calipari has still put together some quality teams. The 2017 Wildcats lost in the final seconds to North Carolina in the Elite Eight. UNC went on to win the NCAA title. The 2019 Wildcats went to overtime in the Elite Eight before falling to (gulp) Auburn and Bruce Pearl. But lately, the issues have been more substantive than a little bad luck and coming up a basket short.

The 2021 Wildcats went 9-16, the worst mark since 1989. The 2022 squad looked to rebound from that awkward COVID campaign, but one lackluster game in the NCAA Round of 64 against No. 15 seed St. Peter’s undid most of the goodwill of a 26-7 campaign up to that point.

Which made this season feel a little more important. With Big Blue Nation staring down the barrel of the “lifetime” contract which Calipari inked with UK in June 2019, National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe elected to return to Lexington rather than pursue the NBA. Kentucky rolled through a summertime basketball trip to the Bahamas, showcasing depth, scoring punch, and plenty of talent. The Wildcats opened the season ranked No. 4 in the nation. Calipari had returned in force to the recruiting trail, eventually locking down what will be the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in the nation for next season.

But a funny thing happened in a season that seemed scripted to be a return to form. Kentucky has looked more like the hamstrung, punchless team that lost to St. Peter’s last March than the nation’s No. 4 squad. Losing to Michigan State in double overtime wasn’t shocking. Getting drubbed by 16 by Gonzaga might have been. But losing by 14 at Missouri? Ugly. Getting drilled by 26 at Alabama? Even worse. Then came Tuesday’s clunker — with South Carolina ending the Wildcats’ 28-game home winning streak.

Kentucky has struggled early in seasons before under Calipari. But those struggling teams were generally stocked with freshmen who were visibly adjusting to big-time college basketball. It’s a little different when veteran players are standing still or regressing.

Tshiebwe has showed flashes of last year’s form, but also had games like the matchup with Alabama, when he finished with 4 points on 1-for-7 shooting. Sahvir Wheeler always hustles but is inconsistent as a scorer. Jacob Toppin is another player who can score 20 points or 2 points on any given night. And Kentucky finds itself in mid-January without a Quad-1 NCAA win and with plenty of work to do, even to survive in SEC play.

Tuesday night, the Wildcats fell behind 7-8 South Carolina by a 13-2 score and were audibly booed by a less-than-impressed (and less than capacity) Rupp Arena crowd. It didn’t get much better, as the Wildcats never led and fell to 1-3 with a shocking 71-68 loss.

Afterward, Calipari said if fans wanted to be mad, they should be mad at him. Some fans didn’t wait that long to voice their opinion.

That didn’t last very long. pic.twitter.com/AZMJ6juoSE

— Samantha Valentino (@SamanthaWKYT) January 11, 2023

Kentucky has significant offense limitations. The Wildcats are visibly searching for a power forward. UK struggles to compete without Wheeler and Tshiebwe both on the floor. Both of Kentucky’s starting guards entered Tuesday shooting below 60% at the free throw line.

And the remedy for this problem, unlike teams that waited for the Harrison brothers or Brandon Knight or Julius Randle to grow up on the court, isn’t obvious.

There is little doubt that Calipari is increasingly becoming an abrasive presence for many members of the Big Blue Nation. Some of the very media savvy self-promotion that made Cal a good fit in Lexington can also grow tiring during a multi-season run without an NCAA Tournament victory. Calipari’s on-court inability to adjust to a perimeter-centric world has been a significant part of UK’s struggles. And for all the talk of tweaks and adjustments, Kentucky seems to be playing checkers while SEC compatriots like Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee have started playing chess. South Carolina hit 11 3-pointers on Tuesday. Kentucky made 3.

Is it time to pull the plug?

Let’s acknowledge the sobering truth.

No matter how awful the past 3 years of basketball under Calipari have been– and much of the time, they have been genuinely awful — the rest of the basketball world won’t see that. They’ll see UK’s fan base overreacting, expecting annual championships and running a Hall of Fame coach out of town.

While most Big Blue backers seem to expect that Jay Wright or Brad Stevens will come running, there would be some real hesitancy within the coaching fraternity to dive into the eternal hot seat in Lexington. Sure, Kentucky can throw plenty of money at the problem. Sure, there’s fan support and historical prestige. But coaches — more than most fans would like to believe — are friends. If Cal gets squeezed out, it will have ramifications in the ensuing coaching search.

And there is this: Remember that top-ranked recruiting class Calipari has coming to Lexington? DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw and Justin Edwards (3 of the top 6 players in the class per 247sports.com) aren’t planning to head to Lexington to check out racehorses or bourbon. Those guys committed to Calipari, not to Kentucky. Fire Cal and be careful of whiplash from watching those guys race out the same door they strolled through.

Calipari probably has another year in Lexington, no matter how many awful losses the Wildcats stumble through this season. He’d be wise to steer clear of trying to reshape his program with transfers from Rhode Island, Illinois State, or Iowa. He’ll go back to what he came to Lexington to do — grab the best players in the country and help them grow up on the fly. Maybe that’ll work.

But on the other hand, can Kentucky afford another wasted season following off one that looks more likely to end in the NIT than in any sort of NCAA Tournament run? South Carolina basically had one highly-regarded player and a team full of guys who wouldn’t sniff playing time in Lexington. Didn’t exactly seem to matter in the end on Tuesday, particularly in the joyful visiting locker room.

Memories are short. Fans are fickle, particularly the kind who write big checks for new facilities and massive NIL donations. Kentucky’s position is untenable, and as hard as it was only a few years ago to imagine Kentucky basketball without John Calipari, it might soon be harder to imagine it continuing with him.

The remainder of this ugly season may well tell the tale. It definitely means more for Calipari, and Kentucky fans would welcome a happier type of noise.

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But so far during his freshman season at Arkansas, he’s been unable to stay on the court while dealing with a right knee issue.

Thus far in 2022-23, Smith has appeared in only 5 games. When he’s been on the court, he’s been exciting to watch, averaging 12.8 points per game.

But, on Sunday, Eric Musselman revealed to college hoops insider Jeff Goodman that Smith would be out at least through the end of January.

Musselman said the plan is for Smith to return to the Hogs in February as long as he’s fully healthy:

Eric Musselman said Nick Smith Jr. will miss the rest of January while rehabbing his right knee in Los Angeles.

For those saying he isn’t coming back, I’ve been told by a source close to situation the plan is for Smith to return in February — as long as he’s 100 percent.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 8, 2023

If Smith is healthy and playing down the stretch for Arkansas, the Hogs will be even more dangerous. As things stand right now, they’re off to a slow start to SEC play, going 1-2 in their first 3 league games.

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The Texas Longhorns recently fired coach Chris Beard as he faces allegations for domestic violence, leaving the premier job open.

Could Texas be in the mix to hire Oats away from Alabama? During Saturday’s game between the Crimson Tide and Wildcats, ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes said Oats would be his first call if he were Texas:

Dykes: "He's the young, aggressive, the offensive-minded he has right now — he has built Alabama into a situation where the basketball team is ranked higher than the football team. That's all you've got to put on your resume. He's that good."

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) January 7, 2023

Alabama might not let anything like that happen. The Crimson Tide have plenty of money to keep Oats in Tuscaloosa, so we’ll see what the rumor mill brings.

For now, though, Oats has Alabama looking like the best team in the SEC.

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All 14 SEC teams have played at least 1 conference contest already. Alabama and Tennessee are atop the standings at 2-0. Georgia, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt are all off to 1-0 starts.

No. 7 Alabama, the highest-ranked SEC squad, hosts Kentucky on Saturday. UK heads to Tuscaloosa with a 10-4 record, all 4 losses coming in games away from Rupp Arena. Nate Oats’ UA team is 7-0 at home and on a 3-game winning streak.

Mike White returns to Gainesville as the opposing coach. White’s Georgia team is 11-3 and 1-0 in conference play. Florida, White’s former team from 2015-2022, is 7-7 overall and 0-2 in SEC play.

No. 8 Tennessee looks to extend its 3-game winning streak at South Carolina. The Gamecocks are 7-7 and 0-1 in conference play, but 6-0 at home so far in 2022-23.

No. 13 Arkansas and No. 22 Auburn meet in the only ranked-vs-ranked SEC showdown of the day. The Razorbacks and Tigers each have double-digit wins but are both 1-1 to start SEC play.

Here’s the full schedule:
All times ET

• Vanderbilt at No. 20 Missouri (noon, CBS)
• Kentucky at No. 7 Alabama (1 p.m., ESPN)
• Georgia at Florida (1 p.m., SEC Network)
• Ole Miss at Mississippi State (2 p.m., CBS)
• No. 8 Tennessee at South Carolina (3:30 p.m., SEC Network)
• LSU at Texas A&M (6 p.m., SEC Network)
• No. 13 Arkansas at No. 22 Auburn (8:30 p.m., SEC Network)

The post SEC basketball schedule for Saturday, January 7 appeared first on Saturday Down South.

UT Austin announced the news Thursday, posting a statement from athletic director Chris Del Conte to the Longhorns website:

The University of Texas has parted ways with Chris Beard. This has been a difficult situation that we’ve been diligently working through. Today I informed Mr. Beard of our decision to terminate him effective immediately.

We thank Coach Rodney Terry for his exemplary leadership both on and off the court at a time when our team needed it most. We are grateful he will remain the acting head coach for the remainder of the season.

We are proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, who throughout this difficult time have continued to make us proud to be Longhorns.

Beard’s firing is for cause after his December arrest for domestic violence. Texas legal affairs considers Beard unfit to be the program’s head coach, regardless of any further developments in the legal case.

He adds:

“Our evaluation of Mr. Beard’s fitness for service is not contingent on whether he is also convicted of a particular crime or whether those charges are dismissed at some point.”

— Bob Ballou (@BobBallouSports) January 5, 2023

The University of Texas announces that it has fired men’s basketball coach Chris Beard. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/b3Od6kxfIU

— Danny Davis (@_dannydavis) January 5, 2023

Beard, 49, was the 2019 Associated Press national coach of the year at Texas Tech. He took the Texas job in 2021 and guided the Longhorns to last year’s NCAA Tournament.

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Tennessee steps up

Tennessee has opened league play at 2-0, registering a 4-point win at Ole Miss and an impressive 34-point beatdown of Mississippi State. Tennessee shot 69% in the game, including 57% from 3-point range against a Mississippi State squad that has been one of the best defensive groups in college basketball. UT had 7 players score between 8 and 14 points and rolled to the easy win despite taking just 3 free throws (as opposed to 17 for Mississippi State). Rick Barnes’ team has been the most consistently impressive in the league.

Kentucky stumbles, possibly rights the ship

Kentucky opened SEC play with a dreadful 14-point loss at Mizzou. But the Wildcats rebounded with an easy win over Louisville and an impressive 3-point victory over LSU. That’s the same LSU team that just defeated Arkansas. The common thread through the games is Jacob Toppi, who looked lost in going scoreless against Mizzou, but followed with 24 points against Louisville and 21 against LSU. It Toppin can play with more consistency — and as another scoring threat for the Wildcats — UK might be rounding into something nearing shape after all.

Bama staying strong

The Crimson Tide have looked impressive in taking down both Mississippi schools to open SEC play. Brandon Miller has a legitimate shot to be SEC Player of the Year. He leads the SEC in scoring and ranks 3rd in rebounding, 3rd in free throw percentage, and tops in 3-point shots made (2nd in percentage). Bama is 2nd in the league in scoring, and remains a hot 3-point shooting run away from being as good as any team in the country.

The mystery of Nick Smith

Arkansas opened SEC play with a loss at LSU, but the overwhelming story is the odd saga of Nick Smith. Smith, a 5-star recruit, has been sidelined indefinitely for an apparent right knee injury. At this point, Smith has only played in 5 games, and that includes a 6 minute stint against Troy and a 1-for-8 shooting night against Bradley in the game where he apparently re-injured or re-aggravated his knee. Mum is the word on the long-term situation, and without Smith and Trevon Brazile, who is out for the season, Arkansas goes from the SEC favorite to perhaps a notch below UT, Alabama, and maybe even Auburn. Coach Eric Musselman is a locker-room architect and that aspect of the situation might be harder to govern than the on-court dynamics.

Bracketology

With the New Year, we’ll shift from examining Joe Lunardi’s bracketology to a more global view. BracketMatrix.com considers (at the moment) 36 separate Tourney field projections and gives a composite NCAA field from the bracket projections considered together. That composite NCAA field– which admittedly was projected between Dec. 26 and the present — includes 7 SEC squads.

No. 2 seeds are bestowed on Tennessee and Alabama. Arkansas is slated as the field’s last No. 3 seed. Auburn is a No. 6 and Mississippi State is a No. 7. Missouri was included in all 36 brackets and projects as a No. 8 seed. Kentucky was actually omitted from 3 brackets but still lands as a No. 8 overall seed. LSU would be the first team out of the BracketMatrix field.

For what it’s worth, Lunardi has the same 7 teams in his field and LSU as his 2nd team out. Lunardi has Mizzou as a No. 6, Auburn as a 7 seed, and Mississippi State as a No. 9, but otherwise, his rankings are consistent with the BracketMatrix composite.

Games to Watch

The next week includes plenty of interesting league matchups. Here are the best:

No. 20 Missouri at No. 13 Arkansas (Wednesday): Can the Tigers continue to surprise the league or will the Razorbacks bounce back from their loss at LSU?

Kentucky at No. 7 Alabama (Saturday): Given the upswing in momentum, maybe Kentucky can make this one competitive. On the other hand, Alabama has a chance to make a statement here about a shift in the league pecking order.

Georgia at Florida (Saturday): Not necessarily the best game going, but Mike White returns to Gainesville in what promises to be an interesting scene.

LSU at Texas A&M (Saturday): One of the league’s surprises plays at one of the league’s disappointments. If A&M is going to get it together, this would be as good of a time as any. But that’s a big if.

No. 13 Arkansas at No. 22 Auburn (Saturday): Regardless of how Wednesday goes for the Hogs, Saturday brings another big test. Both teams are guard-heavy, and it’ll be interesting to see which backcourt has the hot shooting touch.

The post SEC hoops notebook: Tennessee impressive, UK possibly turning around? appeared first on Saturday Down South.

1. Opening tip

Oscar Tshiebwe is a superstar. Every time Kentucky takes the court, you know you’re going to get a great game from the big man.

Thus, his 24-point, 14-rebound double-double in a New Year’s Eve drubbing of rival Louisville was no surprise.

What was a surprise in the 86-61 beatdown of the Cardinals was Jacob Toppin’s bounce-back performance. In the next section, I’m going to discuss some SEC X-factors. Well, Kentucky’s biggest X-factor is Toppin.

He put up 24 points and 7 boards against Louisville. He also was making smart plays on the offensive end:

This possession shows growth! Earlier this season, Jacob Toppin definitely shoots the pull-up. Instead, he reversed the basketball and it eventually came back to him for a BETTER shot. This is what Coach Cal means about being more deliberate. Great cutting when ball goes inside! pic.twitter.com/tXtUI1gKBM

— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) January 2, 2023

Toppin hadn’t eclipsed the 10-point mark since a Dec. 4 win over Michigan in London. He had 0 points in 13 minutes against Mizzou.

If he has his confidence back, that’s huge for Kentucky. The Wildcats need more scoring options from the wing. Toppin has the ability to score at all 3 levels and the athleticism to make things happen in transition.

Kentucky hosts LSU on Tuesday night (more on that game later). Keep an eye on Toppin. If he can score at least 10 points, that bodes well for the Wildcats’ chances to win.

2. Home-court advantage

Since Kentucky and Louisville played the only meaningful game involving an SEC team over the holiday weekend, let’s use this section for something different. As we move deeper into conference play, let’s take a look at 5 guys around the SEC who could be X-factors moving forward:

1. Julian Phillips, Tennessee – The Vols need some more offensive firepower to bolster what Santiago Vescovi, Olivier Nkamhoua and Zakai Zeigler are bringing to the table. Phillips was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school. If he can develop into a Keon Johnson type during SEC play, the Vols will be all the more dangerous. Currently, he’s averaging 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
2. Jahvon Quinerly, Alabama – Quinerly has moved back to the bench and has seen his minutes dwindle as Alabama increasingly relies on Mark Sears and Jaden Bradley to run the offense. But you don’t have to look back very far to see how impactful Quinerly can be when he’s going strong. If Nate Oats can get some consistency out of the mercurial point guard, Alabama can compete for a national title this year.
3. Adam Miller, LSU – Miller, the transfer from Illinois who missed all of last season with injury, is averaging 13 points per game this year. But he disappears at times and only had 7 points in the Tigers’ win over Arkansas to start league play. If he can consistently hit 3-pointers, LSU’s offense can hang with anyone in the SEC.
4. KD Johnson, Auburn – KD Johnson can carry an offense when he’s hot. KD Johnson can shoot a team out of a game when he’s not. He’s never lacking confidence, and he’s going to need to raise his level of play even more if Auburn is going to finish in the top 5 in the SEC regular-season standings this season. He has the talent and the demeanor to do just that.
5. Nick Honor, Mizzou – Honor is a steady hand running the Mizzou offense. On a team of veterans, he’s the one tasked with making the right plays at the right time. He’s also shooting 3-pointers with nearly a 45% success rate. The Tigers started SEC play with a big win over Kentucky. If they’re going to be a factor this year, Honor will need to continue to set his teammates up for success and hit key shots when his number is called.

All 5 of those guys will likely have moments where they can affect the race for the SEC regular-season title. We’ll see which guys rise to the occasion and which guys miss their chances to be heroes.

Next up, let’s take a look around the rest of the college hoops world.

3. Road trip

In last week’s Starting 5, I predicted that Purdue would be the last unbeaten team in the country.

Oops.

The Boilermakers did manage to stay unbeaten longer than UConn (more on the Huskies in a second), but New Mexico is, improbably, your last unbeaten team in Division I basketball.

That’s because, on Monday night in West Lafayette, Purdue lost to Rutgers in dramatic fashion. The Scarlet Knights held the lead late, but the Boilermakers made a clutch 3-pointer to take a 64-62 lead with only seconds remaining.

That’s when Cam Spencer (great last name) took matters into his own hands. After a great fake, Spencer calmly knocked down a 3 that gave Rutgers the exciting 65-64 victory:

OOOOHHH MY, @RutgersMBB takes the lead back ? pic.twitter.com/GVvOzkpRTn

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 3, 2023

Yes, Big Ten play is always a gauntlet, but if you’re Purdue, you can’t be losing to Rutgers on your home court. If you lose at Rutgers, that’s not awful. Losing at home to the Scarlet Knights isn’t great.

The Boilermakers have a tough game up next on the schedule, too. More on that in a bit. For now, let’s discuss those UConn Huskies:

• UConn became the first of the 3 remaining unbeaten teams to lose, going down at then-No. 22 Xavier on New Year’s Eve. Big East play is almost as much of a gauntlet as B1G play, and losing on the road, 83-73, at Xavier is far from a bad loss for the Huskies. Zach Freemantle was elite against Adama Sanogo, the Huskies’ star big man. Freemantle finished the game with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. He was 1 of 5 Musketeers with at least 10 points. That sort of balance is crucial against a team like UConn. Now we’ll have to circle Jan. 25 on our calendars. That’s when Xavier visits UConn for a game that has major Big East title implications.

Next, let’s look ahead to the next few days of college hoops action.

4. Outlet pass

Now that we’ve officially turned our calendars to 2023, conference play is in full swing around the country. That means there are big games on TV nearly every night, so it’s a great time to be a college hoops fan! Here are the 5 games I can’t wait to watch between now and Friday:

1. No. 20 Mizzou at No. 13 Arkansas (Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on SECN) – Mizzou and Arkansas had opposite starts to SEC play. The Tigers trounced Kentucky in Columbia, while Arkansas went on the road and lost a 3-point game at LSU. This rivalry is an intense one. Arkansas plays solid defense. Mizzou has one of the best offenses in the country. Whichever team controls the style of play will probably win this matchup.
2. No. 17 TCU at No. 19 Baylor (Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2) – Baylor just got trounced at Iowa State last week. TCU just beat Texas Tech to start Big 12 action, but now a hard stretch begins – at No. 19 Baylor, vs. No. 25 Iowa State, at No. 6 Texas. We’ll see if the Horned Frogs can start that brutal stretch with a big-time road win or if the Bears bounce back.
3. Mississippi State at No. 8 Tennessee (Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2) – This is a matchup of the No. 1 defense in the KenPom rankings (Tennessee) and the No. 6 defense (Mississippi State). Expect points to be at a premium in Knoxville on Tuesday night. First team to 50 points might win this one!
4. No. 1 Purdue at No. 24 Ohio State (Thursday at 7 p.m. ET on FS1) – Now that Purdue has lost its first game of the season, we’ll see how the Boilermakers bounce back. A road trip to Columbus won’t be easy, but if Purdue is going to be a title contender this year, it’s a game the Boilermakers have to win. We’ll see if the Buckeyes can keep Purdue down, or if Zach Edey and company get back on track.
5. LSU at Kentucky (Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN) – Kentucky fell out of the AP Poll for the first time this season. LSU is coming off a big win over Arkansas to start SEC play. Can the Wildcats bounce back? Or will the Tigers keep Kentucky’s woes going for another week?

It’s still early in the conference season, yes, but every game is so much more important between now and March. Which teams will fall into bigger holes? Which teams will make strong early impressions in league play? There are some incredible games on the docket for this week!

5. Buzzer beaters

Finally, let’s answer some random questions to end this column before we all go on with our weeks. Here are today’s buzzer beaters:

Who should be the new No. 1 team now that Purdue lost?

Behind Purdue in this week’s AP Poll, the top 5 is made up of No. 2 Houston, No. 3 Kansas, No. 4 UConn and No. 5 Arizona. Houston lost a home game against Alabama, so I’d keep the Cougars out of the top spot. Arizona got crushed by an unranked Utah team. UConn just lost to Xavier on the road. If you know me, you know how hard this is for me to do, but Kansas should be the new No. 1 team (assuming the Jayhawks win at Texas Tech and at West Virginia this week, which is no easy task). The Jayhawks are the reigning champs, and I have to begrudgingly give them that respect.

Should there be a 4-point line in college hoops?

With the proliferation of the 3-point shot in basketball these days, I’ve heard talk about adding a 4-point line. I would strongly disagree with adding one in college hoops, as there aren’t enough good 3-point shooting teams in the men’s college ranks these days to warrant one. If the NBA wanted to experiment with a 4-point line in the G League or something? Go for it. Just keep it out of the college game until nearly every team is shooting 40% or so from 3-point range. We have a long way to go before we get there.

Enjoy the Starting 5? Have a question? Want to yell at me about something? Follow me on Twitter @AdamSpencer4 or email me at ASpencer@SaturdayDownSouth.com.

The post Starting 5: Jacob Toppin bounces back, SEC X-factors to watch, Rutgers stuns top-ranked Purdue appeared first on Saturday Down South.