LEAD STORY: SEC Squads Set for NCAA Tournament Tip-Off
The road to the Final Four begins now, and multiple SEC teams are poised to make a run as the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament kicks off this week. The conference is well-represented, with programs ready to navigate the pressure-packed, single-elimination bracket.
Among the intriguing first-round matchups is a catfight between No. 10 seed Missouri and No. 7 seed Miami (FL) in the West Region. The game, scheduled for a late Friday tip-off in St. Louis, features a slim 1.5-point spread in favor of the Hurricanes. Missouri will lean on a pro-Tigers crowd at the Enterprise Center as it looks to translate regular-season wins over ranked SEC opponents into postseason success. Miami enters the tournament after a strong 23-8 season in the ACC.
Elsewhere, Alabama faces a potential challenge from Hofstra. The Pride have already demonstrated their ability to compete with Power Five talent, securing victories over ACC opponents Pitt and Syracuse earlier this season. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Lady Vols are also dancing, entering the Women's NCAA Tournament as a No. 10 seed. They are set to face No. 7 seed NC State in the first round on Friday in Ann Arbor, Michigan, looking to make a deep push in Fort Worth Regional 3.
QUICK HITS
- Auburn Women's Golf Claims Title: The No. 5 ranked Auburn women's golf team won the championship match at the Old Barnwell Derby, defeating No. 11 Duke 3-2. The victory marks the Tigers' fifth team win of the season, tying a program record. In the same event, No. 16 Mississippi State fell to No. 8 Wake Forest in the third-place match.
- Kentucky Pursuing European Guard: The Kentucky Wildcats are reportedly a serious contender for 22-year-old British guard Quinn Ellis. Currently playing for Olimpia Milano in Italy's top league, the 6-foot-5 playmaker has drawn significant interest from top-tier programs. Ellis was highly decorated in 2025, earning LBA Best Young Player, Italian Cup MVP, and Italian Supercup MVP honors.
- Texas A&M Tennis Hosts Top-10 Opponents: The No. 9 Texas A&M men's tennis team is set for a major home stand, hosting No. 5 Ohio State this Wednesday and fellow SEC powerhouse No. 6 Mississippi State on Friday. Both matches are scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Mitchell Tennis Center.
- Mississippi State Softball on National TV: The No. 11 Mississippi State softball team will host UAB on Wednesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, and the game will be televised nationally on SEC Network.
- Georgia's Dobson Set for NCAA Swimming: Georgia freshman swimmer Kennedi Dobson is preparing for a demanding week at the NCAA Championships, where she is slated to compete in three individual freestyle events as well as three relays.
PORTAL WATCH
There has been no new transfer portal activity reported across SEC sports in the last 12 hours.
RECRUITING BUZZ
There have been no new commitments to any SEC programs reported in the last 12 hours.
GAMES TO WATCH
- Wed., Mar. 18: No. 9 Texas A&M Men's Tennis vs. No. 5 Ohio State - 6 p.m.
- Wed., Mar. 18: No. 11 Mississippi State Softball vs. UAB - 7 p.m. CT (SEC Network)
- Fri., Mar. 20: No. 9 Texas A&M Men's Tennis vs. No. 6 Mississippi State - 6 p.m.
- Fri., Mar. 20: No. 10 Tennessee vs. No. 7 NC State (NCAA Women's First Round)
- Fri., Mar. 20: No. 10 Missouri vs. No. 7 Miami (FL) (NCAA Men's First Round)