An early look at a very messy and important SEC tournament News Highlights: An early look at a very messy and important SEC tournament Barring a massive turnaround, Kentucky will have to win the SEC tournament to make it to the NCAA tournament. With 41 days to the event’s scheduled start and a lot of uncertainty as to how – or even if – it will happen, let’s take a look at the Cats’ path to their 32nd SEC Tournament title and a berth for the Big Dance. Reminder: Auburn is out this year Recommended Before we dive into the uncertainty, here’s one thing we know for sure: Auburn is out. In November, the Tigers themselves imposed a post-season ban as part of the investigation into bribery allegations against former assistant coach Chuck Person. So no Bruce Pearl or Sharife Cooper in Nashville.