Ole Miss fell at the quarter-final stages of the SEC Tournament yesterday. A 62-57 loss to No.3 ranked Auburn, who were No.1 in the SEC, was a valiant effort, having lost by 40 points combined over two games in the regular season.
The Rebels could have won on another day, defensively playing very well but lacking the shooting efficiency we had seen during the season. However, the result likely does not harm its projected seeding for the NCAA Tournament.
If Auburn goes on to win the SEC Tournament, it will also boost Ole Miss' NCAA Tournament credentials regarding its seed. The Rebels have just one loss outside Quad 1, losing to Mississippi State, who have also been in Quad 1 for most of the season. Aside from that, they are 15-1. Their Quad 1 record is 7-10, which is not bad. Wins over top-ranked Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee show they can beat top teams on their day.
Ole Miss will likely be the No.6 seed. That is where ESPN's Joe Lunardi ranked them, and KenPom has the Rebels. Lunardi had them squaring off against VCU, the winner facing Wisconsin or Troy in the second round.
6th Seed
Ole Miss will likely be the No.6 seed. That is where they were ranked by ESPN's Joe Lunardi and KenPom has the Rebels. Lunardi had them squaring off against VCU, the winner facing either Wisconsin or Troy in the second round.
5th Seed
After the SEC Tournament results, Ole Miss could be a No.5 seeded team. CBS analyst Jerry Palm already had them there before the two games. They were set to face Drake, with the winner facing Pudue or High Point.
If Auburn goes on to win the SEC Tournament, Ole Miss will have a good chance of being the 5th seed in the West. Wherever they are seeded, it's great to have Ole Miss men's basketball in the NCAA Tournament again.