Southeastern Conference Tournament Quarterfinals: No. 1E Tennessee needed a late three-pointer from senior guard Chris Lofton as it earned its first SEC Tournament win under coach Bruce Pearl, 89-87 against No. 5E South Carolina. Tennessee defeated the Gamecocks by more than 20 points during the regular season, including the final regular-season game just five days ago. Tennessee was plagued with turnovers and was forced to deal with Devan Downey and Zam Fredrick, who combined for 50 points. Wayne Chism, who averaged 9.1 points before the game, finished with a career-high 23 points to lead the Vols into the semifinals.
No. 2W Arkansas was able to limit SEC Player of the Year Shan Foster to just two three-pointers to advance with an 81-75 win over No. 3E Vanderbilt. The Razorbacks dominated under the basket as they finished with 50 points in the paint. Until the final minute of the game, Arkansas was unable to get its lead above seven points. The Hogs were led by Gary Ervin and Darian Townes who each finished with 18 points. Alex Gordon finished with a game-high 22 points for the Commodores. Arkansas moves on to play Tennessee in the semifinals Saturday.
After almost an hour delay due to severe weather in Atlanta, No. 1W Mississippi State was able to return to the court and squeak out a 69-67 win in overtime against No. 5W Alabama. Ben Hansbrough missed two free throws with seven seconds remaining in the extra period to leave the door open for the Tide. The Bulldogs’ defense forced the ball out of bounds with two seconds left, but Mykal Riley still had a three-point shot at the buzzer that rimmed out. Jamont Gordon led the Bulldogs with a game-high 23 points, and Riley was the leading scorer for the Tide with 18 points.
Due to the continuing threat of severe weather in Atlanta, the fourth quarterfinal game between No. 2E Kentucky and No. 6E Georgia has been postponed until Saturday. [3/14/08]
