SEC staggers into league play

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Southeastern Conference has taken a major step backward since last year, when it was the home of the national champion and had the most NBA draft picks of any league.

The SEC enters league play Tuesday with a losing record against each of the other five major conferences. League members also have had embarrassing setbacks against Alabama A&M and Southern.

SEC teams are 3-6 against the ACC, 2-5 against the Big 12, 2-4 against the Big Ten, 4-13 against the Big East and 4-5 against the Pac-12. SEC teams also just 3-11 against the Top 25.

The SEC's nonconference performance could mean that going slightly above .500 in conference play may not be enough to reach the NCAA tournament.

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