SEC Basketball: 2023 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Predictions

The SEC has three teams still dancing in the 2023 NCAA Tournament! That is the most of any conference in America. Will any of the three advance to the Elite Eight?

SEC Basketball 2023 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Predictions

Alabama

The Tide are rolling. Contrary to initial expectation, the Tide have not been spearheaded by phenom Brandon Miller, but rather the veterans. Jahvon Quinerly has been incredible on both sides of the ball and is truly leading by example for Nate Oats. This team continues to blow experts away with how well they defend and rebound. With a slow, gritty team in San Diego State coming up, I don’t expect the Aztecs to keep up with the offensive firepower of the Tide. Matt Bradley needs more help offensively despite having elite defense. I see a Tide win and an Aztec cover. Prediction: Alabama wins 71-67.

Tennessee

Yes everyone, the Vols are still really good without Zeigler. They are unselfish, play with incredible intensity, and make opponents work so hard to get a clean shot up as we saw against Duke. With Madness having ensued on the top of this region, Tennessee find themselves in a matchup with 9th seeded Florida Atlantic. The Owls earned over 30 wins this year and will bring a very similar style of play into this game and look for their backcourt to carry them through. In games like this, having the best player on the floor is crucial for the final minutes. Santiago Vescovi will not let this team fall short of an Elite 8 appearance. Prediction: Tennessee wins 62-54. 

Arkansas

The Hogs! What another outstanding job by Eric Musselman, and they are far from done yet. After overcoming a 12-point second half deficit against reigning champions Kansas, the Razorbacks have tons of momentum heading into a battle with UConn. The big twin towers of UConn will meet the Mitchell twins of Arkansas in one of the best frontcourt matchups we will watch this March. Ricky Council IV, Devo Davis, Nick Smith Jr., and Anthony Black give the Hogs so many different ways to beat opponents. Can Jordan Hawkins and company defend enough for the Huskies? I don’t think so. I’ve got the SEC advancing in ALL THREE contests. Prediction: Arkansas wins 68-67.