It was a stellar Tuesday for the SEC, with South Carolina being the only team to suffer a loss.
Wednesday’s schedule should allow the conference to keep things rolling with only 10 days to go until league play gets started.
As always, my predictions are based on team analysis and who I think will win. Score projections are for my own amusement.
Let’s get to today’s picks.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 120-26
James Madison at Florida – 7 PM EST, SEC Network
Despite my frustrations with the Gators these days, there is a glaring statistical disadvantage for the Dukes in this one.
According to KenPom.com, Florida ranks 25th in adjusted offensive efficiency while James Madison is 291st in adjusted defensive efficiency.
If Mike White’s team wants to take out some frustrations before SEC play, now is the time to do it.
This one should get ugly, but only if Florida keeps its foot on the gas instead of letting teams hang around for way too long.
Prediction: Florida 97, James Madison 68
Houston Baptist at Vanderbilt – 7 PM EST, SEC Network+
Are we sure the Commodores are playing a team ranked 250+ in KenPom? That’s only happened one other time this season, which was the season opener against Austin Peay.
Since then, Vandy has played five teams ranked in the top 45, and Middle Tennessee at 67 isn’t exactly a bad team, either.
Just like with Florida, this is a chance for the Commodores to let off some steam against a team that’s given up 93 points or more in five games this season.
Vanderbilt played better than expected at Arizona State, and the continued consistency of senior Jeff Roberson should allow Bryce Drew’s to get back on track in a big way here.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 84, Houston Baptist 70
Little Rock at Mississippi State – 8 PM EST, SEC Network+
Mississippi State’s schedule has been the opposite of Vanderbilt’s, but again, that’s by design.
The Bulldogs bounced back from the loss at Cincinnati with a blowout win over UT Martin, and next up is a Little Rock team that is 3-9 on the year.
The Trojans’ best win is over Central Arkansas, and one of the wins came against a non-Division I opponent in the University of the Ozarks.
To make matters worse, Little Rock is 339th in the nation in scoring (63.7 points per game) while Mississippi State has used its defense to only give up 62.1 per game (19th nationally).
Prediction: Mississippi State 93, Little Rock 61
Furman at No. 21 Tennessee – 9 PM EST, SEC Network (Game Preview)
You always wonder about a team’s mentality following a loss like the one Tennessee suffered against North Carolina.
The Vols will now welcome in a Furman squad that’s feeling pretty good about itself these days. The Paladins are winners of five straight, and two of their three losses this season are to Butler and Duke.
The 3-pointer can be a great equalizer, and Furman takes a lot of them. Bob Richey’s team ranks 14th nationally in 3-point makes (125) and attempts (357), so Tennessee will need to be ready to defend the perimeter.
While this may not be their prettiest game of the season, the Vols should be able to bounce back with the win before heading to Wake Forest on Saturday.
Prediction: Tennessee 77, Furman 63
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