SEC Hoops: Bama No-Shows, Tennessee Triumphs, Oklahoma Meltdown

The SEC once again took centerstage on a jam-packed college basketball Saturday. For the first time in the history of the SEC, No. 1 faced off against No. 2. Alabama produced one giant No. 2.

There was so much hype surrounding this game. Students were getting rowdy in line at 5:30 am. It was one of the toughest tickets ever in Tuscaloosa. Then the game started and Alabama forgot they had to play a game.

Auburn made four three-pointers, including two from Johni Broome, before Alabama made their second field goal. It was 14-4 in the blink of an eye and the game never felt close. Sure, there were a few runs that cut it to one, but those moments were fleeting, especially once Auburn closed out the first half on a 7-0 run. A Grant Nelson dunk tied the game midway through the second half, but Bama didn’t have enough firepower to win the basketball Iron Bowl. Auburn pulled away with a 94-85 win to stay stop of the SEC.

Tennessee Rallies to Take Down Vandy

In the first half, Tennessee trailed Vanderbilt by 16 points and Zakai Zeigler was scoreless. The veteran point guard scored 22 in the second half, giving the Vols enough offense to complete a comeback against their instate foe. Tennessee needed to shoot 65% from the field (5-11 from three) in the second half to turn the tide on the Commodores, who didn’t go down without a fight.

Jason Edwards knocked down a three to give Vandy a lead with three to play. He got two more before the final horn, but it was a little too late in the 81-76 loss for the ‘Dores. A rare Jahmai Mashack three lit up the Food City Center and provided a large enough buffer zone to prevent the Vols from losing their third straight game.

Oklahoma Hits New Low in SEC Play

Oklahoma saw Vandy’s gut-wrenching loss and said, “Hold my beer.” The Sooners are firmly on the bubble and it’s about to burst. Oklahoma was up by five points at home with 30 seconds to play and lost. It shouldn’t be possible. That’s why you don’t foul three-point shooters.

Cam Carter was taken down at the top of the key as his shot swished through the net. He made the free throw to complete the four-point play. Still trailing by one, LSU didn’t foul right away. They let Oklahoma throw them the ball in the backcourt. Carter remained composed, then attacked the rim and got another And One. Carter scored 7 of his 29 points in the final 20 seconds and LSU beat Oklahoma 82-79 for just their second win in SEC play.

TOOK OVER. 😤

Cam Carter rallied LSU with a four-point play and a three-point play in the final 20 seconds! 🤯@LSUBasketball x #SECMBB pic.twitter.com/tLZZoaTwuA

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) February 16, 2025

Egg Bowl Upset

Ole Miss had to eat some humble pie from its most hated foe. Mississippi State swept Ole Miss for just the second time in 14 years, thanks to an exceptional shooting performance from the Bulldogs. Josh Hubbard was the exception, only netting 3-13 shots, but his crew picked up the slack. State shot 51.7% from the floor in the first half, and five players scored in double figures, extending the lead to 67-48 in the second half before cruising to a 10-point win.

This is How Arkansas Lost Another SEC Game

Arkansas wasn’t playing particularly well against Texas A&M. They struggled to get open against Buzz Williams’ matchup zone defense, but the game stayed within arm’s length until a hilarious sequence unfolded.

John Calipari was talking to Adou Thiero on the bench, who turned his head to look to the sideline. At the same time, the ball was passed to him. It bounced off Thiero and went directly to Texas A&M, who threw it down with authority. It happened right after Big Z got put on a poster. The energy injection into Reed Arena was more than enough for the Aggies to pull away with a 69-61 win.

& the crowd goes WILD 🤯🤯

📺 ESPN#GigEm pic.twitter.com/MLpoK7y1sX

— Texas A&M Basketball (@aggiembk) February 15, 2025

Missouri is Rolling Through the SEC

Asa Newell had 23 points and 10 rebounds for Georgia. The freshman’s dunk started a 4-minute scoring drought that ultimately handed the game over to Missouri, who went on a 15-0 run to put it out of reach. The Tigers are fifth in the league standings and are playing like a team who can get a double-bye in the SEC Tournament.

Team	SEC	Overall
Auburn	11-1	23-2
Alabama	10-2	21-4
Florida	9-3	22-3
Texas A&M	9-3	20-5
Missouri	8-4	19-6
Tennessee	8-5	21-5
Ole Miss	8-5	19-7
Mississippi State	6-6	18-7
Kentucky	6-6	17-8
Vanderbilt	5-7	17-8
Texas	5-8	16-10
Arkansas	4-8	15-10
Georgia	4-9	16-10
Oklahoma	3-9	16-9
LSU	2-10	13-12
South Carolina	0-12	10-15