EFN

Each year the SEC Basketball Tournament is one of the most competitive conference tournaments. This year should be no different as the conference is loaded with talented teams who are fighting for a bid into the NCAA tournament.

The overwhelming favorite to win this year’s 2010 SEC Basketball tournament has to be the Kentucky Wildcats. The Wildcats, who are presently ranked #2 in the country behind the Kansas Jayhawks, have spent bits and pieces of the season ranked number one. The Wildcats finished the season with a record of 29 and 2, which included an SEC conference record of 14 and 2.

Beyond the Kentucky Wildcats, the Tennessee Volunteers also have a good chance of winning the conference championship. Tennessee, who is presently ranked number 13 in the country, finished the regular season with a record of 23 and 7, and a conference record of 11 and 5. Among their 23 wins was a 74 to 65 victory over Kentucky. However, the Volunteers recently lost guard Tyler Smith who was suspended by the team.

While Kentucky, Tennessee, and 23rd ranked Vanderbilt look destined to be in the NCAA Tournament this March, other teams need to play well in the SEC to advance. Mississippi, Florida, and Mississippi State all need to play well in order to earn a bid into the big dance.