With seven SEC teams currently projected to make the NCAA Tournament field, it’s another important week for bubble teams.
There are four games on Tuesday’s schedule, including a highly anticipated showdown at Rupp Arena between two top 20 teams.
Let’s get to the picks.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 185-58
No. 19 LSU at No. 5 Kentucky – 7 p.m. EST, ESPN
LSU already has three overtime road wins in SEC action, so Will Wade’s team should have plenty of confidence heading into this important matchup for both teams.
This should be one of the better games of the season, and while the Tigers have what it takes to win this game, Kentucky has simply been on a roll over the past month or so.
Prediction: Kentucky 80, LSU 77
Georgia at Texas A&M – 7p.m. EST, SEC Network
After Tom Crean’s recent postgame comments, it’s hard to know what we’re gonna get from the Bulldogs considering that they’ve now lost eight straight games in league play.
Texas A&M is playing better despite its less than ideal record, so they’re probably the better pick in this spot.
Prediction: Texas A&M 73, Georgia 69
Alabama at Mississippi State – 9 p.m. EST, SEC Network
We’ve reached that point in the season where some teams are facing must-win games, and that is the exact scenario for Mississippi State heading into this particular matchup.
Alabama has played significantly better at home this season, but the Bulldogs should be able to get back on track after coming up short in the previous meeting in Tuscaloosa.
Prediction: Mississippi State 75, Alabama 70
Arkansas at Missouri – 9 p.m. EST, ESPNU
Arkansas can get back into the tournament conversation if they can avoid losses to lower-ranked teams, and that’s where Missouri sits at this point having lost five of their last six games.
Mike Anderson’s team forced 24 turnovers when these two met a few weeks ago, and that’s a trend that may help the Hogs grab a much-needed victory here.
Prediction: Arkansas 65, Missouri 63
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