KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Southeastern Conference enters the final two weeks of the regular season with much at stake as it seeks to expand its NCAA Tournament presence.
With seven of the league's 14 members anywhere from 30th to 75th in the RPI , the SEC might just lead the nation in squads sitting on the tournament bubble.
"These next four games determine a lot for all of us," Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said.
After getting just three NCAA Tournament bids last season for the third time in the last four years, the SEC took steps to improve its men's basketball performance. The SEC named former Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese a special adviser on men's basketball. Many SEC teams have upgraded their nonconference schedules.
There are signs of progress. The SEC went 5-5 in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge last month after going 10-20 in the first three years of that event.
No. 11 Kentucky (22-5, 12-2 SEC) and No. 13 Florida (22-5, 12-2) have essentially locked up NCAA bids. South Carolina also seems likely to make the field. Then it gets much less certain.
This rundown of the SEC teams between 30th and 75th in the RPI underscores the importance of the next couple of weeks.
South Carolina (20-7, 10-4)
RPI: 30th
Two-game skid brings back unpleasant memories of last season,
Arkansas (20-7, 9-5)
RPI: 34th
Helped its case considerably by winning at South Carolina.
Vanderbilt (14-13, 7-7)
RPI: 49th
Just a game above .500, but its demanding schedule gives its an outside shot.
Tennessee (15-12, 7-7)
RPI: 50th
In the middle of the pack and has the schedule strength to impress the committee if it surges
Georgia (15-12, 6-8)
RPI: 56th
Endured numerous close losses this season.
Mississippi (16-11, 7-7)
RPI: 69th
Wasted an opportunity to make a statement Saturday when it lost 98-80 at Arkansas.
Alabama (16-10, 9-5)
RPI: 74th
NCAA resume: A look at a couple of mock NCAA Tournament brackets underscores the difference of opinion regarding the Crimson Tide.