We’ve reached the quarterfinal round of the SEC Tournament, and teams are still battling to improve their overall resumes.
There are four great matchups on Friday’s schedule, with one team likely needing a victory to secure its NCAA Tournament bid.
Let’s get to the picks.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 225-77
No. 1 LSU vs. No. 8 Florida – 1 p.m. EST, ESPN
Many people are concerned about the Tigers’ mindset heading into this one, but they will get a big boost thanks to the return of Javonte Smart after he sat out the regular season finale.
While the distractions could play a factor, this feels like a situation where LSU will once again be on a mission to prove its worth as regular season champions given the controversy surrounding the program.
Prediction: LSU 72, Florida 70
No. 4 South Carolina vs. No. 5 Auburn – 3 p.m. EST, ESPN
Bruce Pearl joked on Thursday that Frank Martin owns him, and that was in reference to South Carolina winning four of the past five games in the series between the two teams.
But the Tigers’ ability to finally snap their conference tournament losing streak should give them a lot of confidence and momentum heading into this matchup, and while stopping Chris Silva won’t be easy, Auburn feels like the better pick in this spot.
Prediction: Auburn 73, South Carolina 65
No. 2 Kentucky vs. No. 10 Alabama – 7 p.m. EST, SEC Network
Alabama is currently projected as the first team out of the NCAA Tournament field in the newest bracketology from ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, so a win here would clearly secure a bid.
That’s going to be easier said than done even with the Crimson Tide winning the only regular season game between the two, as the Wildcats are going to provide a significant challenge with Reid Travis back in the rotation.
Prediction: Kentucky 79, Alabama 63
No. 3 Tennessee vs. No. 6 Mississippi State – 9 p.m. EST, SEC Network
The Bulldogs had no trouble with Texas A&M in their first tournament game, and that momentum may allow Ben Howland’s squad to make things very interesting here.
This is another game that could produce an upset due to Mississippi State’s overall talent and offensive abilities, but the Vols should find a way to pick up the win.
Prediction: Tennessee 80, Mississippi State 77
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