2015 SEC Tournament: Who Will Come Out of the First Two Rounds?

Jan 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard I.J. Ready (15) dives to keep the ball in play during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Auburn Arena. The Bulldogs beat the Tigers 78-71. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

FIRST ROUND

Round One, Game 1 – No. 12 Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. No. 13 Auburn Tigers

March 11, 2015 – 6pm
SEC Network

It’s been a tough first year for Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers (12-19, 4-14 SEC), but they can still be a dangerous team. Mississippi State (13-18, 6-12 SEC) has also had a bit of a disappointing season. The way these two teams are playing right now, it’s almost dead even.

Really you have to give the edge to the Bulldogs on defense. They play a very physical brand of ball, and are strong in the paint. Right now Auburn just doesn’t have the personnel to match up well with the Bulldogs. It will be a close game, but look for Mississippi State to pull away late.

Round One, Game 2 – No. 11 South Carolina Gamecocks Vs. No. 14 Missouri Tigers

March 11, 2015 (25 minutes following conclusion of Miss St./Auburn)
SEC Network

This is just a bad match up for the Tigers (9-22, 3-15 SEC), who have really struggled all season long. South Carolina (15-15, 6-12 SEC) can play excellent hard-nosed defense, and will absolutely out-muscle the smaller Tigers.

If there’s a dark horse coming out of these first four teams, it’s probably the Gamecocks, who have shown they can beat some of the best teams (two wins against Georgia, one win against Alabama) in the conference, not to mention their early season victory over No. 17 Iowa State.

Next: Second Round, Session 1