In what has already been a highly unusual year for the Kentucky Wildcats, fate has thrown yet another curve-ball; a tornado ripped through downtown Atlanta just moments before the Cats were to take the floor for their quarterfinal Southeastern Conference Tournament game against Georgia. Consequently, in order for Kentucky (or Georgia) to win the SEC Tournament, it must play three games in approximately 29 hours.In the event the Cats are able to overcome the Dawgs (which in and of itself will be a tall order given that this will be the third time these teams match-up this season--see UK/LSU '85/'86), Kentucky will play its conference semi-final game less than six hours later against a much more rested Mississippi State team. Then, presuming the Cats pull-off the unlikely and get past this other set of Bulldogs, they will take on another rested and quality opponent in either 4th ranked Tennessee or Arkansas. I should also add that all of this year's prior games between Kentucky and these schools have been extremely close.
Admittedly, beating Georgia and getting bounced by Mississippi State, Tennessee, or Arkansas might do the Cats some good, as it could very well result in a 11 or 12 seed in this year's NCAA Tournament. This, in turn, probably gives the Cats the best shot at advancing to the Sweet 16 (which would be comparable to a Final Four run for this squad), as it would obviate a second round game against a #1 seed. That being said, I would really enjoy seeing the Cats hoist the SEC Conference Tourney trophy this year in light of all they've overcome, and because they split this season with regular season champ (and possible #1 seed) Tennessee. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening, and, I blame the prejudice to be incurred by Georgia or Kentucky (and to some extent MSU, UT, and Arkansas) on both the SEC and the NCAA.
Considering the size of the SEC, its tournament should have started on Wednesday along with the other major conference tournaments (Taco Salad has been preaching this point for years). Had this occurred, enough time would have been built in to deal with this unexpected event, thereby giving each team a legitimate shot at the conference title--which is all the more imporant as both the SEC and the NCAA consider the SEC Tournament Champion to be the league champion.
Further, the NCAA has done virtually nothing to help alleviate the situation. Instead of working with the SEC and its teams to come to a reasonable solution, it has firmly insisted that all tournament games must be completed by Sunday. God forbid the NCAA and CBS are inconvenienced by pushing things back a day (or utilizing some other reasonable alternative).
The reality is that all four remaining teams have a lot riding on the SEC Tournament: (1) each team hopes to be and deserves a shot at the conference championship; (2) Georgia must win the championship to get into the NCAA Tournament; (3) both Kentucky and Arkansas need good runs to solidify spots at the Big Dance (winning the whole thing might even get Kentucky to a #6 or #7 seed which would also prevent a second round game with a #1 seed); and (4) UT and MSU are jockying for seeding. In fact, the end result of the SEC Tournament will likely impact whether the Vols are a #1 or #2 seed.
Surely, the importance of this tournament to all of these teams warrants giving things a little more thought.
3 comments:
I have never experienced anything on t.v. as I did on Friday night,with respect to a sporting event. I think that had something to do with the lack luster performance of the cats on Saturday. Getting up for the Friday matchup,not playing and try to get it back the next morning. I also believe that not having the fan base at the game was a downer. Still can't figure out why some of the faithful was not permitted to attend the game. That is part of Kentucky basketball during the tourney time, especially in Atlanta, the second home of Rupp Arena. However they didn't rise to the occasion, so we just have to see if the Dance will call the Cats.
I have to tip my hat to UGA. What an amazing performance. Kudos.
Coaching for so many years, I also tip my hat to the "Dogs". It takes alot of internal guts and determination to do what they did. Also, to the coach for making those kid, which they really are believing in themselves.
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