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It all comes down to this. The emotions of Championship Week are unrivaled. Who doesn’t love the blood, sweat and buzzer beaters? Attempting to nail who will represent its league in the Big Dance, the Big Noise gives his conference tournament leans. Merry March Madness!
Appalachian trails found in SEC country are often treacherous. Steep undulations, precipitous cliffs, narrow paths, rocky grounds — one careless step and an ankle wrench, or something far worse, can occur.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans' latest NCAA Tournament projections ]
About 200 miles west of the Great Smoky Mountains in Nashville, a conference chock full of hazards will conduct its annual exercise for an NCAA Tournament automatic bid.
Pack snacks and plenty of water, and pay close attention to every step. It’s going to be arguably the paramount event of Championship Week.
The pick — Florida to win SEC Tournament (+250, BetMGM)
This undaunted hiker is backing the Gators to reach the summit.
Todd Golden’s group has glistened.
Over the last 30 days entering the throwdown in the Music City, Florida ranks No. 5 overall on BartTorvik, slotting inside the top 30 in adjusted offensive efficiency and adjusted defensive efficiency. Warriors on the glass (33.4 offensive rebounding percentage over the last eight games ), prolific from 3-point range (48.2% of shots are beyond the arc) and fast-paced in nature, the Gators have sparkled on both ends.
Also, they’ve turned the ball over on only 13.3% of team possessions. Judicious.
Florida has the roster construct of a champion. In the post, Alex Condon has been a double-doubles machine since his return from an ankle injury. Guards Alijah Martin and Walter Clayton Jr. are sensational scorers, facilitators and defenders. And forwards Thomas Haugh and Will Richard excel at the little things and can contribute the occasional scoring outburst.
Given their double bye, the Gators will likely face either Mississippi State or Missouri in the quarterfinals. Assuming they survive and No. 3 seed Alabama advances, an epic semifinals showdown awaits, one loaded with NCAA tourney top-line implications.
In what should be a warmup act for the Sunshine State representatives, Florida basks in glory. Remember: The Gators beat Auburn, Alabama and Tennessee at least once in the regular season.
Climb high, Florida.