The school with the highest amount of Quad I wins picked up another in an amazing atmosphere inside Coleman Coliseum on Saturday. The Auburn Tigers victory over Alabama is a significant step in what the Tigers journey of potentially locking up the No. 1 overall seed in next month’s NCAA tournament.

While the Tide and Tigers were both getting set to tip off, the NCAA tournament selection committee announced their “Top 16 team reveal” earlier in the afternoon.

Auburn, Alabama, and Florida were all announced as No. 1 seeds, Auburn being named the top overall seed. If the season ended today, Auburn would be the top seed in the South (Atlanta), Alabama to the Midwest (Indianapolis), and Florida (San Francisco).

In total, six schools reached the Top 16, with Tennessee, Texas A&M and Kentucky rounding out the group. The selection committee has sent a clear message to the SEC that their success on the floor from start to finish this season, has been rewarded.

It will be very fascinating to see how much overhaul will be seen from now, until Selection Sunday. As for now, it seems to be Auburn’s No. 1 seed spot to lose.

Is Oklahoma, OK?

You know when you’re concerned a player, or a team may be in a slump, and it becomes more devastating by the moment.

Let’s take a look at the Oklahoma Sooners. A few weeks ago, the Sooners were on the bubble, but still well in position to solidify an NCAA tournament spot. Since then, things have taken a dramatic turn, like Kevin with chili in The Office dramatic turn.

The Sooners have lose six of their last seven games, including four in a row and things get sadder with each loss. Sure, Auburn beating Oklahoma isn’t surprising, but tacking on an 18-point loss at home to Tennessee, a 24-point loss to Missouri. Those were against ranked teams, this past Saturday? Might’ve been rock bottom.

After leading LSU 44-31, the Tigers made 10-straight baskets, but the Sooners still led by five with 30 seconds left. Following a rare four-point conversion by LSU, the Tigers put together a three-point play to give them a two-point lead, one they’d hold onto for a 82-79 final result.

Oklahoma has gone from a solid bubble team to a team who may be entering the SEC basketball tournament needing a win (or two) to stay in the at-large discussion.

Games to watch this week

Oklahoma at Florida (Feb. 18)

Things are bad for the Sooners; they could get worse after traveling to Florida.

Texas A&M at Mississippi State (Feb. 18)

Speaking of No. 1 seeds, Texas A&M has played their way into the discussion. A win here, and they stay in it. A loss, and you may have to work a bit harder to get back in. As for Mississippi State, a win potentially gives them a stronger case to enter the Top 16.

Arkansas at Auburn (Feb. 19)

Arkansas needs a resume win; however, this matchup may have lost some of the luster that we had anticipated back in November.

Alabama at Missouri (Feb. 19)

How will Alabama respond when they hit the road against a Missouri team that’s been very good vs. ranked foes in 2024-25.

Tennessee at Texas A&M (Feb. 22)

From one tough matchup to another, if Texas A&M can sweep the week, do not be surprised if you start hearing even more discussion about a No. 1 seed in Aggieland.

Kentucky at Alabama (Feb. 22)

After falling to Texas on Saturday, Kentucky is in a space where they need to pick up vital wins to remain a top four seed, not just for the NCAA tournament, but the SEC tournament as well.

AL.com Top 16 overall seeds

(Overall ranking in parenthesis)

South Region (Atlanta, GA)

1. Auburn (1)
2. Texas A&M (7)
3. Texas Tech (12)
4. Michigan (14)

East Region (Newark, NJ)

1. Duke (2)
2. Tennessee (5)
3. Arizona (9)
4. Kentucky (13)

Midwest Region (Indianapolis, IN)

1. Alabama (3)
2. Purdue (8)
3. Iowa State (10)
4. Michigan State (16)

West Region (San Francisco, CA)

1. Florida (4)
2. Houston 6)
3. Wisconsin (11)
4. St. John’s (15)