SEC Tournament 2012: Bracket, Dates, Start Time and TV Schedule

The SEC tournament is almost here and it would be easy to call this event the Kentucky Wildcats' Challenge; but there are some solid teams looking to make their mark as well.

The Wildcats are entering the tournament on an absolute roll. They have won 21 games in a row since their buzzer-beater loss to Indiana on December 10. Overall, they are 29-1 heading into the regular season finale against the 13th-ranked Florida Gators.

This could be a preview to the SEC Championships as the two teams are currently atop the standings. Win or lose, Kentucky is the top seed with a 15-0 record, but Florida could be surpassed by Vanderbilt, if the Commodores defeat Tennessee and Kentucky handles Florida.

The top four teams in the conference get a first round bye, with all 12 teams qualifying for the conference tournament.

Here is how to watch and what to watch for in the SEC Tournament.

When: March 8-11, 2012

Where: New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, LA

Times: Noon, 2:30, 6:00 & 9:00 (3/8 & 3/9) - Noon & 2:30 (3/10) - Noon (3/11)

TV Schedule: SEC Network

Brackets:

View the full bracket here

Who's on the Bubble:

LSU

The Tigers are only 7-8 in the SEC and 17-12 overall.  They need at least two wins in the SEC tournament to feel comfortable about their chances of making the NCAA tournament field. 

The beat down they suffered at the hands of Ole Miss all but killed the chances they had to make it without a strong showing in the conference tourney.

They are a long shot at best because they have a relatively weak nonconference schedule with nasty losses to Northwestern and South Alabama.

Mississippi State

The Bulldogs looked like locks for the NCAA tournament field at first, but now there is plenty of room for doubt. They were blown out by Alabama 67-50, but they rebounded to captured that all important 20th victory of the season.

They should be in with one SEC tournament victory.

Alabama

The Tide helped themselves immensely with their victory over the Bulldogs, but they are no shoo-in. If they are upset in the first round of the SEC tournament it could be their downfall. With 20 wins already and guaranteed to have a winning record in the SEC at 9-6, they should be safe.

Players to Watch:

Anthony Davis

A strong candidate for National Player of the Year, Davis has had a remarkable freshman season. He leads the nation's No. 1 team in scoring (14.1), rebounding (9.8) and blocked shots (4.7). The blocked shots total is especially amazing. Davis is simply the best collegiate shot blocker I've ever seen.

His combination of timing, length and leaping ability creates a presence in the middle the college game seldom sees.

He will be the key to the Wildcats success.

Marquis Teague

Although Davis is the team's best player, Teague is the floor general. He has had his ups and downs, but the Wildcats hope he continues to improve into the postseason.

In tournament play, guard performance is huge. Kentucky needs Teague to limit his turnovers and shoot a little better than 32 percent from beyond the arc. He is a demon off the dribble, but he could help space the floor even more if he knocks down the 3 a little more regularly.

Brad Beal

The Gators' freshman has tons of talent, and he's an explosive scorer. If they have any chance to compete with Kentucky for the conference championship, he must be big time.

At 6'3", he's the team's leading rebounder with 6.5 per game and the second leading scorer at 14.7 points per game.

The Gators need Beal over 20 per game to challenge the Wildcats.

Renardo Sidney

Sidney is as talented as any player in the nation. At 6'11" 260 pounds he has the size and skills to dominate on the block. He has been inconsistent through his time at Mississippi State.

He has averaged 10 points and five rebounds this year, if he is a force on the block, the Bulldogs have the talent to surprise; Sidney is the key to that success.

Tournament Favorite

It's easily Kentucky, at 15-0 in conference and 29-1 overall.  It would be the favorites in any conference tournament. The nation's most talented team should blow through this tournament. Through 15 conference games, only five opponents have stayed within 10 points of the Wildcats.

The conference tournament should be more of the same.

Sleeper Team

Mississippi State is so talented, but it is so inconsistent.  The Bulldogs have a workman-like pivot player in Arnett Moultrie who is averaging 16 points and 10.7 rebounds per game this season. Dee Bost is an explosive scorer from the perimeter at 15.8 points per game, and Sidney is a potential beast on the block if he can keep his head in the game.

Moreover, all three of these players are upper classmen. This team has the talent and experience to make some noise. The question is, will it all come together?

Prediction

Kentucky wins the SEC tournament by defeating the Florida Gators in the final 80-65. The Wildcats will look unstoppable headed into the NCAA Tournament as the nation's overall No. 1 seed.