The Different Scenarios Where Carolina Can Secure A Double-Bye For The SEC Tournament
After the events of last night, South Carolina's men's basketball team is no longer in the running for at least a share of the SEC regular-season title, but head coach Lamont Paris emphasized in part of his post-game presser that the Gamecocks still have plenty to play for. Right now, South Carolina is in a four-way tie for second place, and based on the SEC's rules that come into effect when three or more teams are tied in the standings, South Carolina is the odd team out because they have the lowest win percentage against the other teams: Alabama, Auburn, and Kentucky. If the season ended today, the Gamecocks would be the No. 5 seed in the Tournament.
The Florida Gators also shouldn't be counted out yet, as they're only one game behind the log-jam in second place.
Meechie Johnson celebrates after making a shot in the Gamecocks' first season meeting versus the Mississippi State Bulldogs (6th Jan., 2024)
Jeff Blake | USA Today Network
So, for Carolina to secure a double-bye straight to the quarterfinals of the conference tournament, there are multiple paths towards this end goal.
The Most Realistic Path
The Gamecocks leave the Magnolia State with a win over the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon. Then, barring something unforeseen in the matchups between Auburn and Georgia, and Alabama and Arkansas, in a cruel and ironic twist, South Carolina fans will have to pull for Tennessee to defeat Kentucky. These results would lead to a No. 4 seed for South Carolina.
The Path That'll Make You Sweat A Little Bit...
South Carolina loses to Mississippi State in Starkville, meaning they would need Kentucky to lose on Saturday AND one of either Auburn or Alabama to win to break the four-way tie. Even if you throw in Florida defeating Vanderbilt, the Gamecocks would be the No. 3 seed in the SEC Tournament.
Unlikely Paths
- Gamecocks knock off Mississippi State while Kentucky, Alabama and Auburn ALL LOSE --> No. 2 seed in SEC Tournament
- South Carolina knocks off Mississippi State and wind up in a two-way tie in second place with Kentucky --> No. 2 seed in SEC Tournament
- Gamecocks knock off Mississippi State and Kentucky loses, but one of either Auburn or Alabama wins, leading to a two-way tie for second place --> No. 3 seed in SEC Tournament
- The Gamecocks, Wildcats, Crimson Tide, and Tigers all lose AND Florida wins, creating a FIVE-WAY tie for 2nd place in the standings --> No. 3 seed in SEC Tournament
- South Carolina, Alabama and Auburn all win, but Kentucky loses, leading to a three-way tie for second place --> No. 4 seed in SEC Tournament
- Gamecocks and Wildcats both lose, while Alabama, Auburn, and Florida all win, creating a three-way tie for 4th place --> No. 4 seed in SEC Tournament
- South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, and Florida all win OR lose, keeping the SEC standings the same --> No. 5 seed in SEC Tournament
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