SEC Basketball: 2022 SEC Tournament preview, predictions, what to watch for
By Matt Melton
2022 SEC Tournament Quarterfinal Round Predictions
No. 1 Auburn vs No. 9 Florida
After potentially picking up a win over Texas A&M on Thursday, there is no denying how big of a win it would be for Florida to defeat top-seeded Auburn for the second time this season, having already split the previous two meetings earlier this year. While Auburn should, and probably will, pick up the win here, it will likely be a lot closer than you might expect however, with Florida’s NCAA Tournament hopes essentially on the line. Prediction: Auburn
No. 4 Arkansas vs No. 5 LSU
While you could certainly consider this game potentially as a toss-up, Arkansas did however win both games between the two during the regular season, both of which were close. Expect the same once again here, with Arkansas likely as the favorite going in to potentially set up a must-see rematch for Saturday between the Razorbacks and Auburn. Prediction: Arkansas
No. 2 Tennessee vs No. 10 Mississippi State
Tennessee won the lone meeting between the two in Starkville earlier this season 72-63, and should do the same here. However, don’t rule out a potential upset from the Bulldogs either, with Mississippi State having the size and experience in the frontcourt to matchup with the Volunteers in Brooks and Smith, as well as an impact scorer in Molinar. Prediction: Tennessee
No. 3 Kentucky vs No. 6 Alabama
While Kentucky has won both games against the Crimson Tide this season, Alabama had one of their worst shooting performances of the season in the first game, and even held a double-digit lead at one point in the second. Alabama is certainly capable of pulling the upset here in a game that should be close and high-scoring, but it’s hard to pick against the Wildcats based on their success against the Crimson Tide this season. Prediction: Kentucky