SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament Play Tips Off in Nashville

The SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament has arrived with the first round tipping off tonight. Beginning at 7 pm, Mississippi State is set to take on Auburn and shortly following South Carolina will take on bottom seed Missouri. Both games will air live on the SEC Network.

Auburn finished their season with a 12-19 overall record and 4-14 in conference play after losing their last six games. During the regular season, Auburn dropped the game it played against Mississippi State. Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl says Mississippi State has had much improvement this season.

“They’re one of the quickest teams, fastest teams, most athletic teams, and they’re deep. I mean they’re playing 10 guys.”

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are coming into the tournament at 13-18 overall and 6-12 in the SEC. The team finished its season with a win over Missouri but Mississippi State head coach Rick Ray says despite their win overAuburn earlier this season, his team is prepared for a tough game.

“Just getting ready to play one of the better players in the SEC… we’ve got to guard without fouling.”

Also on the court tonight, South Carolina heads into its first round game against Missouri at 6-12 in the conference. The Gamecocks are coming off a road win at Tennessee to conclude their season. Mizzou enters the tournament at 3-15 in the SEC. The winner of this game will advance to the second round to face the Ole Miss Rebels. Tip-off is set for 9:30.

To listen to Bruce Pearl and Rick Ray’s audio clips, click below.

Bruce Pearl talking about Mississippi State’s improvement.

Rick Ray talking about facing a tough Auburn team.

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