The SEC remains undefeated after the first three days of the season.
Of course, it’s the only league that’s managed to do that, so that further proves how talented many teams are around the conference.
There are five games on tonight’s schedule, with Vanderbilt’s cross-town trip to Belmont being the most intriguing.
Let’s get to the picks.
Season Record: 14-1 (sorry for doubting you, Texas A&M)
Eastern Kentucky at Ole Miss – 6:30 PM EST, SEC Network+
The Rebels looked good in downing a solid Louisiana-Lafayette team on Friday, and it was the deep backcourt that shined for Andy Kennedy.
Now, Ole Miss must try to combat the confident Colonels, who scored a 73-72 win at Rice to open up the season.
Nick Mayo, who went for 25 points and a career-high 12 rebounds against the Owls, is the player to watch for Eastern Kentucky.
However, it will once again be the Rebel guards that prove to be too much for the opposition.
Prediction: Ole Miss 85, Eastern Kentucky 69
Gardner-Webb at No. 8 Florida – 7 PM EST, ESPNU
It’s about the time the Gators stepped on the court.
But in all seriousness, the more I study this Florida team, the more I love it. Mike White has good contributors across the board, and it’s the transfers in Egor Koulechov and Jalen Hudson that add versatility to the returning roster.
It’s also gonna be fun to watch this talented freshman group develop, with Chase Johnson being one of my picks for the SEC’s most underrated freshman.
Prediction: Florida 80, Gardner-Webb 57
Vanderbilt at Belmont – 7:30 PM EST
Well, it’s already been quite the day for the Commodores in landing one of the top point guards in the 2018 class in Darius Garland.
However, this is a game that will test Bryce Drew’s team.
Belmont has only lost two home games since suffering back-to-back home defeats in December 2015, and the Bruins are coming off a narrow four-point loss at Washington.
My gut tells me that this game goes to the wire, but the likely return of Matthew Fisher-Davis for Vanderbilt gives the visitors the edge.
I can’t say that I’m more than 51 percent sure on this one.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 73, Belmont 71
Western Michigan at South Carolina – 8 PM EST, SEC Network
The Gamecocks handled their business at Wofford, and once again used a strong defensive effort in doing so.
But what may have been most impressive was South Carolina’s ability to shoot the three, with Frank Martin’s squad knocking down 11 of 23 attempts from beyond the arc.
If that type of shooting continues, it’ll be tough to take down the hard-nosed Gamecocks.
Still, Western Michigan returns four starters and has the MAC’s best player, Thomas Wilder, on its roster.
This could be a bit of a grind for South Carolina.
Prediction: South Carolina 71, Western Michigan 62
Wagner at Missouri – 9 PM EST, ESPN2
What Missouri was able to accomplish without Michael Porter Jr. on the court was one of the most impressive developments from opening weekend.
It’s clear that Cuonzo Martin has a good supporting cast to work with, and even if Porter doesn’t play in this game, the Tigers will be fine.
Jeremiah Tilmon is getting better and better, and he has a chance to be a special player as long as he keeps progressing.
The Tigers keep the momentum going with a big victory.
Prediction: Missouri 81, Wagner 59