The regular season has come to a close, and the SEC showed us a ton, as contenders emerged, blue bloods struggled and upsets were plentiful.
However, we now get to relive it all over again, as the teams from the deepest conference in the country battle for another ticket to the Big Dance.
So, with the stage set, let's break down what may be the most exciting conference tournament we'll see.
2023 SEC Tournament Bracket
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2023 SEC Tournament Odds
| Alabama | +170 |
| Tennessee | +280 |
| Kentucky | +450 |
| Texas A&M | +500 |
| Auburn | +1200 |
| Arkansas | +1200 |
| Missouri | +2500 |
| Vanderbilt | +3500 |
| Mississippi State | +4500 |
| Florida | +10000 |
| Georgia | +50000 |
| Ole Miss | +50000 |
| South Carolina | +80000 |
| LSU | +100000 |
Finding Value in the Top Four
Take a quick look at the board and it's clear the oddsmakers are giving four of the top five seeds a shot to win it.
The exception is Missouri. The Tigers earned their spot, but aren't being given much support.
Starting at the top, the Alabama Crimson Tide were tested down the stretch and dropped their final game to Texas A&M. Their path to the title game is favorable, but they'll likely have to get revenge on the Tennessee Volunteers to get there.
The No. 2 seed, the Texas A&M Aggies, will have a tough road and will get an immediate test having to face either Arkansas or Auburn in the quarterfinals. However, if A&M survives, it'll likely have to face Kentucky, which won the regular season meeting and finished strong.
Speaking of the Kentucky Wildcats, they are a strong pick to make it out of the lower portion of the bracket. This is a talented team that appeared to find its groove towards the end of the season and will go up against three teams it has already beaten.
Lastly, we have the Tennessee Volunteers, who are defined by having the No. 1 defense in the country.
But, does defense win championships? It certainly didn't win Tennessee many games down the stretch, as the Volunteers dropped six of their final 10 games.
The Dark Horse to Ride: Arkansas Razorbacks
The Arkansas Razorbacks are a dangerous team that has gotten healthy at the right time. They dropped their final three games, but it's clear they are a different team with Nick Smith Jr. back in the lineup.
First, they are projected to be slightly favored over Auburn. After that, they'll get Texas A&M, a team they split the season series with.
They will then likely have to face another team they split a season series with in Kentucky. However, the neutral court will hamper the Wildcats, as they have been far worse away from home.
Lastly, Arkansas will face either Tennessee or Alabama. While both of these teams own recent victories over the Razorbacks, both of those losses were on the road.
First & Second Round Matchups to Watch
South Carolina vs. Ole Miss (First Round)
These squads split their season series, but the Rebels are the better squad. Ole Miss is stout defensively and has the size to match up with South Carolina's GG Jackson.
KenPom has Ole Miss projected as a five-point favorite, and I'd be comfortable backing the Rebels at that number.
LSU vs. Georgia (First Round)
The Tigers are coming into this matchup about as cold as can be, but this is their chance to reset and end the year on a high note.
As for the Bulldogs, they narrowly defeated LSU in their only meeting and are far more inconsistent offensively.
Back the Tigers in this coin-flip matchup.
Florida vs. Mississippi State (Second Round)
Florida has been a shell of itself without Colin Castleton and his absence will be a big issue against the Bulldogs and their star center, Tolu Smith.
Mississippi State took the first meeting and should take this one convincingly.
There may be great value on the Bulldogs here, as they are projected to be just one-point favorites. Jump on any spread of two or better.
2023 SEC Tournament Outright Bets
- Alabama +170 (1u)
- Kentucky +450 (0.5u)
- Arkansas +1200 (0.25u)
