2026 SEC Tournament bracket set after first round

Schedule, scores, and results as second round matchups are determined in Nashville

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The 2026 SEC Tournament is underway in Nashville, with the second round matchups now set after an eventful first round on Wednesday. Several bubble teams were in action, including Kentucky, Auburn, Texas, and Oklahoma, with varying results that will impact their NCAA Tournament hopes. The second round games on Thursday will feature intriguing matchups like Missouri vs. Kentucky and Auburn vs. Tennessee, setting the stage for the quarterfinals on Friday.

Why it matters

The SEC Tournament is a crucial event for teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble, as strong performances can boost their resumes and secure at-large bids. The results from the first round have already started to shape the tournament landscape, with some teams helping their cases while others may have hurt their chances. The second round will provide more opportunities for bubble teams to make their final push before the quarterfinals.

The details

In the first round on Wednesday, No. 9 seed Kentucky defeated No. 16 seed LSU 87-82, while No. 12 seed Auburn topped No. 13 seed Mississippi State 77-61. However, No. 10 seed Texas suffered a setback, losing 76-66 to No. 15 seed Ole Miss. No. 11 seed Oklahoma also advanced, defeating No. 14 seed South Carolina 86-74. The second round on Thursday will feature several intriguing matchups, including No. 8 seed Missouri taking on No. 9 seed Kentucky, and No. 5 seed Tennessee facing No. 12 seed Auburn. No. 7 seed Georgia will play No. 15 seed Ole Miss, and No. 6 seed Texas A&M will take on No. 11 seed Oklahoma.

  • The 2026 SEC Tournament is taking place from March 11-15 in Nashville, Tennessee.
  • The first round games were played on Wednesday, March 11.
  • The second round games will be played on Thursday, March 12.
  • The quarterfinal games are scheduled for Friday, March 13.
  • The semifinal games will be played on Saturday, March 14.

The players

Kentucky

The No. 9 seed in the SEC Tournament, Kentucky defeated No. 16 seed LSU in the first round.

Auburn

The No. 12 seed in the SEC Tournament, Auburn defeated No. 13 seed Mississippi State in the first round to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

Texas

The No. 10 seed in the SEC Tournament, Texas suffered a setback with a 76-66 loss to No. 15 seed Ole Miss in the first round, potentially hurting its NCAA Tournament chances.

Oklahoma

The No. 11 seed in the SEC Tournament, Oklahoma defeated No. 14 seed South Carolina 86-74 in the first round.

Missouri

The No. 8 seed in the SEC Tournament, Missouri will face No. 9 seed Kentucky in the second round.

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What they’re saying

“We must keep fighting and make the most of our opportunities in the SEC Tournament. Every game is crucial at this stage.”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Kentucky (cbssports.com)

“This win was huge for our team's confidence and NCAA Tournament hopes. We're going to keep pushing forward in the SEC Tournament.”

— Bruce Pearl, Head Coach, Auburn (cbssports.com)

What’s next

The winners of the second round games on Thursday will advance to the quarterfinals on Friday, March 13. The semifinal games are scheduled for Saturday, March 14, with the SEC Tournament championship game set for Sunday, March 15.

The takeaway

The 2026 SEC Tournament has already provided plenty of drama and intrigue, with bubble teams fighting to bolster their NCAA Tournament resumes. The second round matchups on Thursday will be crucial, as teams look to secure their spots in the quarterfinals and move one step closer to the conference title.