SEC Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions
Quarterfinals
No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 9 Alabama
There are two teams with easy paths to the championship game. Kentucky is one of them. Earlier in the season, after the Wildcats beat the Crimson Tide, Jon Calipari said Alabama is a team nobody wants to play when they’re playing their best. He’s right. But right now, Alabama is struggling. And during the offseason, Alabama will look to rebuild.
Prediction: Kentucky
No. 4 Mississippi State vs. No. 5 Florida
This matchup should be an entertaining one to watch. Mississippi State has Reggie Perry, one of the most dynamic players in the conference. He can play in the paint, play solid defense and can run the floor. On the other side, Florida has a trio of playmakers. This will be a back-and-forth game, with the winner securing the game late.
Prediction: Florida
No. 2 Auburn vs. No. 7 Texas A&M
Auburn is the second team with an easy path to the championship game. The Tigers got their losses out of the way and are ready to make another run at the Final Four. The Aggies won’t go without a fight, though. Led by Williams, Texas A&M beat Auburn last week 78-75. Doing it twice is tough. Auburn’s Samir Doughty has his eyes on the Final Four.
Prediction: Auburn
No. 3 LSU vs. No. 6 South Carolina
South Carolina is a team that is very capable of beating teams to make a deep run in the tournament. But, not against LSU. Skylar Mays and Trendon Watford, along with great coaching staffs, will prove to be too much.