Back to the Winnipeg Jets Newsfeed

The ACC is trying to spark men’s basketball. A better showing in the ACC/SEC Challenge would help

The Atlantic Coast and Southeastern conferences are southern-footprint neighbors best known for different long-running strengths: the ACC with rich men’s basketball tradition, the SEC in football.

These days, the SEC has veered into the ACC’s lane.

As the third ACC/SEC Challenge begins Tuesday, the SEC is coming off a year with a record haul of 14 NCAA Tournament bids, two Final Four teams and Florida winning the national championship.

Duke center Patrick Ngongba (21) shoots against Arkansas forward Malique Ewin (12) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic tournament Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Duke center Patrick Ngongba (21) shoots against Arkansas forward Malique Ewin (12) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic tournament Thursday, Nov.