ACC–SEC Challenge reveals a big problem for one power conference

Christian Standal

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ACC–SEC Challenge reveals a big problem for one power conference image

The SEC won the ACC/SEC Challenge again this year, finishing with 9 wins to the ACC’s 7. It was much closer than last season, when the SEC dominated the event. The ACC jumped out to a 6–3 lead on Tuesday, but the SEC used home-court advantage on Wednesday to take control. Big wins from Arkansas, Alabama, and Auburn helped the SEC close things out.

For the ACC, this event showed real improvement. Last season, the conference struggled badly, earning only four NCAA Tournament bids, and only Duke made it out of the first round. This year’s Challenge suggests things are changing.

For the SEC, the results show the league is still one of the best in college basketball. It might not be as strong as last year but when seven SEC teams reached the Sweet 16 and Florida won a national title. The data still ranks the SEC as the No. 1 conference. The league is on track for another year with double-digit NCAA Tournament bids.

ACC Looks Better Than Last Season

This year’s ACC–SEC Challenge gave fans a clear look at where both conferences are right now. Last year, the SEC used this event to build a strong nonconference résumé, while the ACC never recovered from early losses.

This time, the ACC looked much better. Duke and North Carolina picked up big wins on Tuesday. Teams like Miami, Syracuse, and Notre Dame also grabbed important victories. If the ACC wants more teams in the NCAA Tournament, these early wins are a big deal.

Right now, seven ACC teams rank inside KenPom’s top 40, which is a sign that the league is stronger and deeper than it was last season.

The SEC Is Deep but Still Missing a Clear Title Favorite

People keep saying the SEC is “down” this year, but that isn’t really true. The league is still very deep, with 12 teams ranked in KenPom’s top 50. The real issue is that the SEC doesn’t have a clear national championship contender yet.

Florida, the defending national champ, already has three losses. Kentucky hasn’t beaten a high-major team. Tennessee’s best win is looking weaker over time.

The best hope might be Alabama. The Tide have strong wins over Illinois, St. John’s, and Clemson. But their defense is inconsistent, and physical teams have caused them problems. Alabama is very good, but not quite elite.

Vanderbilt Might Be the SEC’s Best Surprise

One of the biggest surprises so far is Vanderbilt. They weren’t tested early, so nobody knew how good they were. But then they crushed Saint Mary’s by 25 points and beat SMU by 19. Those are real wins.

Sophomore guard Tyler Tanner has been outstanding and is becoming one of the most underrated players in the nation. Vanderbilt is now top-10 in KenPom, and the team is actually favored in every game until late February. They won’t win them all, but they’re a serious SEC title contender.

Arkansas Could Be Heating Up

Arkansas lost close games to Michigan State and Duke, but on Wednesday the Razorbacks finally showed how good they can be. They controlled the entire game against Louisville.

Freshman Darius Acuff had 17 points and 10 assists, and Trevon Brazile played well inside. Arkansas had a shaky start, but this may be the turning point.

Cameron Boozer Might Be the Best Player in the Country

Duke freshman Cameron Boozer came into the season with a lot of hype — and he has lived up to it. His 29-point game against Florida showed how dominant he can be.

He’s averaging more than 23 points and almost a double-double. If the season ended today, he would probably win national player of the year.

Virginia Is Improving Faster Than Expected

One of the most surprising moments of the Challenge was Virginia blowing out Texas on the road. First-year coach Ryan Odom already has his team playing better than expected.

Transfers Thijs De Ridder and Johann Grünloh were strong in the paint, and freshman Chance Mallory continues to shine. Suddenly, Virginia looks like a real contender near the top of the ACC.

ACC/SEC Challenge results

No. 4 Duke 67, No. 15 Florida 66

Syracuse 62, No. 13 Tennessee 60

No. 16 North Carolina 67, No. 18 Kentucky 64

Virginia Tech 86, South Carolina 83 (OT)

Oklahoma 86, Wake Forest 68

Texas A&M 81, Pitt 73

Miami 75, Missisippi 66

Georgia 107, Florida State 73

Notre Dame 76, Missouri 71

No. 25 Arkansas 89, No. 6 Louisville 80

No. 12 Alabama 90, Clemson 84

No. 17 Vanderbilt 88, SMU 69

No. 20 Auburn 83, NC State 73

LSU 78, Boston College 69

Virginia 88, Texas 69

Mississippi State 85, Georgia Tech 73

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Editorial Team