SEC Basketball: Nearly undefeated in the first round of NCAA Tournament

Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Andrew Rowsey (30) handles the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Rakym Felder (4) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Despite not having the best reputation as basketball conference, SEC basketball teams were a mental mistake away from going undefeated in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

The SEC got five teams in the NCAA tournament. The Pac 12 was the only power 5 conference that got fewer teams in the Big Dance, with four. The ACC led the way with nine teams, the Big Ten got seven, and the Big 12 got six. Even the Big East got seven teams in.

And if it weren’t for a mental mistake by Vanderbilt junior Matthew Fisher-Davis, the conference could’ve gone undefeated in the first round.

Conference Records in First Round

Pac 12: 5-0 (1.000)*

SEC: 4-1 (.800)

Big Ten: 5-2 (.714)

ACC: 6-3 (.667)

Big 12: 4-2 (.667)

Big East: 3-4 (.429)

*USC won play-in game and first round game.

Here’s how the five SEC teams fared in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.