SEC Basketball Predictions: Ole Miss/Texas A&M, Alabama/Georgia, and Mississippi State/LSU

(Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire)

Teams throughout the SEC continue to try to set themselves apart from the pack, with the league looking to match its record eight NCAA Tournament bids from a season ago.

There are three games on Wednesday’s schedule, including a highly anticipated showdown in Starkville.

Let’s get to the picks.

Season Predictions Record (straight up): 180-53

Texas A&M at Ole Miss – 7 p.m. EST, SEC Network

This is about as must-win as it gets for the Rebels, who have lost four straight and five of six after a great start in conference play.

The positive for Ole Miss is that Texas A&M has just one true road win this season on a wild buzzer-beater at Alabama, so this should be a good spot for Kermit Davis’ team to get back on track.

Prediction: Ole Miss 78, Texas A&M 71

Georgia at Alabama – 9 p.m. EST, SEC Network

Speaking of teams that really need a win to help their tournament chances, Alabama needs this one in what will be a battle between two teams that rank in the top three in the SEC in offensive rebounding.

Georgia just hasn’t put together enough consistency this season, and with the Crimson Tide playing very well in Tuscaloosa thus far, they’re the better pick here.

Prediction: Alabama 80, Georgia 72

No. 21 LSU at Mississippi State – 9 p.m. EST, ESPN2

These two teams rank in the top 20 nationally in both offensive efficiency and offensive rebounding percentage, so this figures to be a game that features plenty of scoring.

After a huge road win at Ole Miss, the Bulldogs should be able to carry that momentum over into this matchup and pick up yet another quality victory.

Prediction: Mississippi State 83, LSU 79

For more SEC basketball coverage, follow me on Twitter @theblakelovell.