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SEC Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview and predictions

By Ian Mumm

Florida's Colin Castleton (12) is guarded by Tennessee's Jaden Springer (11) and Yves Pons (35) during an NCAA mens basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Florida Gators in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sunday, March 7, 2021.Kn Ut Florida
Florida's Colin Castleton (12) is guarded by Tennessee's Jaden Springer (11) and Yves Pons (35) during an NCAA mens basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Florida Gators in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sunday, March 7, 2021.Kn Ut Florida /
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SEC Basketball LSU Tigers Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Basketball LSU Tigers Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterfinal Predictions

#8 Kentucky Wildcats vs. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide

The Wildcats have done a good job defensively to take away top options on opposing teams. That has not been as successful when facing the Tide due to the sheer number of weapons featured on Nate Oats team. The preferred pace for the Tide helps to naturally give them better offensive looks, but it will neutralize the effectiveness of Kentucky’s center Olivier Sarr from producing a major impact. While Kentucky is improving, this matchup is still too big of a hill to climb against the Crimson Tide.

Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide

#5 Florida Gators vs. #4 Tennessee Volunteers

Neither Tennessee nor Florida have been playing optimally to end the season. Both have waffled between winning and losing against teams of lesser and greater ranking than themselves. While the season series was split between these programs, the Vols defense gives them a slight edge over the Jekyll and Hyde offensive tendencies of both teams. This one should be closer than either of the first two meetings, but Tennessee overcame their initial defense in a recent double-digit victory over the Gators. They should carry that momentum to another win.

Prediction: Tennessee Volunteers

#7 Missouri Tigers vs. #2 Arkansas Razorbacks

Splitting the season series, the third meeting of Missouri and Arkansas figures to be a nail-biter. These teams seem to be headed in different directions, but the Tigers still find ways to play tough against top competition. The Razorbacks dropped the first meeting by only 13 despite shooting 26.8% from the field, and appear to be poised to contend for the conference title. Solving some of their initial perimeter woes, the Razorbacks are firing on all cylinders and putting teams away down the stretch. Missouri’s lack of consistency on a nightly basis will be of concern here.

Prediction: Arkansas Razorbacks

#6 Ole Miss Rebels vs. #3 LSU Tigers

The Rebels’ defensive strengths present an issue for the Tigers in this matchup. Particularly Ole Miss slows the game down and limits any kind of efficient offenses to develop. The Tigers have already conquered this obstacle earlier in the season, but the Rebels have morphed into a more threatening team. This isn’t going to be a blowout by any means and if LSU suffers any shooting woes, things could get really interesting here. The Tigers should still prevail.

Prediction: LSU Tigers

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