The SEC Tournament dwindled to two teams as the finals took shape.
Despite two upsets yesterday with Missouri and Vanderbilt advancing to the semifinals, the favorites rolled on Saturday, setting up a #1 v. #2 matchup in Nashville for the SEC Tournament Championship.
Takeaway #1: Alabama’s off day is still enough to get it done
Alabama looked great against Mississippi State on Friday but failed to pull away until late against Missouri on Saturday. Part of the reason was 17 turnovers committed to just 5 from Missouri. The Crimson Tide also shot just 29.6% from three, but to no one’s surprise, Brandon Miller paced them with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Alabama also out-rebounded the Tigers by a 44-28 margin, which was the deciding factor in a 72-61 final.
Takeaway #2: Texas A&M’s hot shooting bursts Vandy’s bubble bid
Vanderbilt entered the semifinal against Texas A&M likely needing at least a win to get into the NCAA Tournament after beating Kentucky on Friday. But the red-hot Texas A&M Aggies were not going to be stopped. Led by Wade Taylor IV’s 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting, Texas A&M shot 60% from the field and 53% from beyond the arc in an 87-75 win.
Even though Vanderbilt shot 41% from three-point territory, it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Aggies. Buzz Williams’ squad showed elite ball movement, combining for 20 assists. If they were looking to improve their seeding this week, they’ve certainly made a good case for it.
Texas A&M takes on Alabama on Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN.