We’re only a little over a week away from the start of the SEC Tournament in Nashville, and the seeding is far from clear.
There are four important games on Tuesday’s schedule, with Tennessee and Kentucky both trying to take another step towards capturing a regular season title.
Let’s get to the picks.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 210-72
South Carolina at Texas A&M – 7 p.m. EST, SEC Network
The Gamecocks are in a must-win situation at this point if they want to get back on the bubble, but it won’t come easy here against what’s been one of the most improved teams in the league.
Frank Martin’s team has lost four straight road games by 12 points or more, and even without TJ Starks on the floor, it’s hard to pick against the Aggies in this spot.
Prediction: Texas A&M 73, South Carolina 72
Auburn at Alabama – 9 p.m. EST, ESPNU
Given that the Crimson Tide are squarely on the bubble at this point, the most realistic scenario for them to make the tournament is to win one of these next two games.
The Tigers have some momentum after back-to-back wins, but with this being a series where the home team has had a lot of success, Alabama may be the better pick here.
Prediction: Alabama 79, Auburn 77
Mississippi State at No. 5 Tennessee – 9 p.m. EST, SEC Network
Tennessee quieted its critics with two crucial wins last week, and the toughest part of the schedule continues with a matchup against what’s been one of the hotter teams in the conference.
Quinndary Weatherspoon and company are good enough offensively to make things very interesting, and while this may be closer than people expect, the Vols should make enough plays down the stretch to earn the victory.
Prediction: Tennessee 80, Mississippi State 75
No. 6 Kentucky at Ole Miss – 9 p.m. EST, ESPN
The Rebels have lost back-to-back games by two points or less, and that’s not exactly ideal considering that they’re not yet a lock to make the tournament.
It’s tempting to pick the upset because of what figures to be a rowdy atmosphere, but I’ll take the Wildcats to bounce back and grab a quality road win.
Prediction: Kentucky 74, Ole Miss 71
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