Things have been highly entertaining to this point in SEC play, and that theme should continue with the overall competitiveness of the league right now.
There are three games on Wednesday’s schedule, which includes South Carolina trying to stay undefeated in the conference.
Let’s get to the picks.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 145-41
South Carolina at Vanderbilt – 7 p.m. EST, SEC Network
The Gamecocks already have three quality SEC wins after earning just four wins in the non-conference portion of the schedule, so that is certainly a bit of a surprise.
Meanwhile, the Commodores just have not been able to find a rhythm offensively, and that’s resulted in a disappointing 0-3 start.
We’re still at that stage where many people are likely still struggling to buy South Carolina as a true SEC contender, but it’s not as though Vanderbilt has been all that great.
But Bryce Drew’s team is in an absolute must-win situation here, and the home-court advantage may be enough to propel them to victory.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 75, South Carolina 71
No. 14 Auburn at Texas A&M – 7 p.m. EST, ESPNU
What’s interesting is that Texas A&M is actually playing decent basketball early on in league play, even if the record doesn’t show it.
Yes, the Aggies needed a remarkable buzzer-beater from TJ Starks to earn their first SEC win at Alabama, but they also played well in the losses to Arkansas and Kentucky.
These are the top two teams in the SEC when it comes to offensive rebounding, so second-chance opportunities should be a huge factor in this one.
It’s also worth noting that Bruce Pearl’s squad simply haven’t played well in true road games this season in struggling at both NC State and at Ole Miss.
The Tigers haven’t been as crisp as they were earlier in the season, but they’re still easier to trust than the Aggies.
Prediction: Auburn 80, Texas A&M 69
Alabama at Missouri – 9 p.m. EST, SEC Network
Speaking of teams that are hard to trust, I’m not sure we ever really know what we’re gonna get from these two teams.
It’s been another season where Alabama has let several wins slip away, and Missouri is trying to regain its groove after dropping its first two conference games.
Something that does stand out is the possibility of the Tigers using their efficient 3-point attack (15th nationally at 39.4 percent) to take advantage of an area of weakness for the Crimson Tide (221st nationally in allowing opponents to shoot 35.0 percent), and that may prove to be a key factor.
There just doesn’t appear to be a whole lot that separates these two, and this is as close to a toss-up as it gets.
With Alabama coming off such a deflating defeat, this feels like a good spot for Missouri to pick up the win.
Prediction: Missouri 65, Alabama 62
For more SEC basketball coverage, follow me on Twitter @theblakelovell.