The SEC’s undefeated streak ended on Monday when Vanderbilt lost at Belmont, but it’s still been a great start for the league.
The competition does start to get a bit better this week, and it all starts with Kentucky’s visit to United Center to take on Kansas.
But there’s also an intriguing game set to take place in Tuscaloosa as Alabama hosts a sneaky good Lipscomb squad.
Let’s get to tonight’s picks.
Season Predictions Record: 18-2
High Point at Tennessee – 7 PM EST, SEC Network+
There’s only so much we can take away from the Vols trouncing Presbyterian on Friday, but Admiral Schofield showed why he’s still one of the more undervalued forwards in the SEC.
He went for 22 points in 33 minutes and will likely continue to be the rock of this team going forward, even with Grant Williams still being the player that’ll garner the most attention.
Jahaad Proctor went for 28 points in his first game with the Panthers, but Tennessee isn’t William and Mary.
Vols cruise to another victory.
Prediction: Tennessee 80, High Point 61
USC Upstate at Georgia – 7 PM EST, SEC Network+
Since we know what we’re getting with Yante Maten and Rayshaun Hammonds, it’s still all about guard play for the Bulldogs.
Georgia turned it over 17 times in the opening-night win over Bryant, and that’s a number that hopefully doesn’t become a trend due to the loss of J.J. Frazier.
USC Upstate made 14 3-pointers in a 92-77 road loss at Minnesota to open up the season, so that could be something to watch for in this one.
However, Georgia takes care of business, and perhaps we start to see someone emerge as the lead guard on this team.
Prediction: Georgia 87, USC Upstate 72
Lipscomb at Alabama – 8 PM EST, SEC Network
My sources confirm that there’s this pretty talented kid named Collin Sexton that’ll take the court for Alabama tonight.
Sexton’s debut should give us good insight into what’s possible within the Crimson Tide’s new up-tempo offense, as he’ll add an element that wasn’t there in the win over Memphis.
What did stand out from that win over the Tigers was the play of returners Dazon Ingram and Donta Hall, who both appear to be kicking things into another gear to start the season.
But this game will not be easy for Avery Johnson’s squad.
Lipscomb loves to push the tempo on offense and get quick shots, with Bisons finishing as one of the nation’s top 3-point shooting teams last season.
Garrison Mathews is already off to a quick start in scoring 37 and 25 in the team’s first two games, so it’s essential that Alabama not let him get hot.
The Tide win the game, but if Lipscomb shoots well, this will be closer than people think.
Prediction: Alabama 88, Lipscomb 76
No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 7 Kentucky – 9:30 PM EST, ESPN
Who wins tonight in the State Farm Champions Classic at United Center?
— Blake Lovell (@theblakelovell) November 14, 2017
After struggling to beat both Utah Valley and Vermont, people are understandably concerned about Kentucky’s chances here.
However, it’s not like we didn’t see this coming.
I’ve said many times throughout the offseason that this would be a year where the Wildcats would face more challenges than usual in non-conference play, and we’ve seen that through the first two games.
Of course, while the first two teams were talented, neither is as deep or talented as Kansas.
But still, even with Kentucky still clearly having work to do to be where it wants to be, John Calipari has some equally good talent and depth to work with.
Hamidou Diallo is off to a good start, and I like the versatility we’re seeing from Kevin Knox and P.J. Washington.
So, it’s not like the talent isn’t there. This is still an extremely talented team.
With that in mind, it feels like the Jayhawks are further along due to the added experience, and that could equal some ugly stretches for the Cats in this game.
But unlike most people, I get a sense that Kentucky will keep this close pretty much the entire way until Kansas pulls away in the final minutes.
And even if I’m wrong and the Wildcats get blown out, it’ll at least be a quality learning experience for the future.
Prediction: Kansas 77, Kentucky 67