Kentucky created its own nightmare SEC Tournament path

Mar 7, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Mouhamed Dioubate (23) claps from the bench during the second half against the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn ImagesThe SEC Men's Basketball Tournament field is set. Mark Pope told Tom Leach on the radio that his mission was to win it all in Nashville, even after losing to Florida. "I believe we are going to win. We are heading down to Nashville to win… We can’t wait to get to it."

But Kentucky basketball has a long road to an SEC Tournament title, and they largely did it to themselves. They had a 12-point lead against Texas A&M, they had…