We’ve reached the second round of the 2019 SEC Tournament, and several teams are trying to pick up quality wins.
There are four intriguing matchups on Thursday’s schedule, with two teams in particular needing to secure victories to help their NCAA Tournament chances.
Let’s get to the picks.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 221-77
No. 8 Florida vs. No. 9 Arkansas – 1 p.m. EST, SEC Network
The Gators won the only regular season meeting between the two teams, but there may not be a whole lot to take away from that one since it was in early January.
Mike Anderson’s squad has a lot of momentum having won three in a row, and while Florida is on a three-game losing streak, I’ll take KeVaughn Allen and company to find a way to win given what’s at stake.
Prediction: Florida 65, Arkansas 62
No. 5 Auburn vs. No. 12 Missouri – 3 p.m. EST, SEC Network
Auburn seems to be hitting its groove at the right time, as Bruce Pearl’s group has won four straight and finds itself in a favorable part of the bracket.
Even with Missouri’s ability to slow down the game, the other Tigers are the better pick in this spot based on their ability to force turnovers and turn defense into offense.
Prediction: Auburn 74, Missouri 63
No. 7 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Alabama – 7 p.m. EST, SEC Network
This is a must-win situation for Alabama based on recent bracket projections, and it likely need to now win at least two this week if it wants to guarantee an NCAA bid.
Everything seems to favor Ole Miss in this matchup, but I’ll lean towards the Crimson Tide here since they typically do the opposite of what you expect in these types of situations.
Prediction: Alabama 72, Ole Miss 69
No. 6 Mississippi State vs. No. 11 Texas A&M – 9 p.m. EST, SEC Network
Texas A&M is another team that has shown improvement, but reports suggest that it won’t be enough for Billy Kennedy to return as head coach next season.
The Bulldogs may be a potential sleeper team that can win this tournament, and they should play with a lot of confidence in picking up the win.
Prediction: Mississippi State 80, Texas A&M 71
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