The top 25 teams will play in a number of high-quality matchups this weekend. It all starts early, with the highly-anticipated showdown between No. It all starts with the highly anticipated matchup between Auburn No.1 and Kentucky No.17, broadcast nationally on ABC at 1 p.m. ABC will broadcast 17 Kentucky at 1 pm. ET. The excitement does not stop here. There are several more exciting games scheduled throughout the day. Watch out for key games that may impact the NCAA Tournament and Conference Standings.
We’ve also included our professional betting tips for the Saturday, 1 March. We’ll dive in to the details and identify any potential value.
- No. No. This battle is a crucial one for the conference’s supremacy. Both teams are characterized by strong offenses as well as tenacious defensive efforts.
- No. Alabama is No. 5 Tennessee (4 p.m., ESPN): The SEC’s top teams will face off in a battle for tournament seeds and bragging rights. You can expect a high-intensity, physical match.
- No. Texas A&M is No. 3 Florida (8:30 p.m., SEC Network): Are the Aggies able to pull an upset on the home court against the Gators?
- No. Arizona No. 9 Iowa State (9 p.m., ESPN): The game is a clash of styles between two teams. Arizona plays with offensive power, while Iowa State focuses on defensive strength.
Auburn vs. Kentucky: How to Bet?
Auburn vs. Kentucky Betting Odds
- Spread: Auburn -4.5 (-115) at DraftKings; Auburn -4.5 (-114) at FanDuel
- Total: 166.5 (O-108; U-112) at DK; 164.5 (O-115; U-105) at FD
Auburn Tigers have established themselves this year as one of the dominant forces in college hoops. This is thanks to Bruce Pearl. Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats in the Rupp Arena will be a tough challenge. Auburn’s road experience at Alabama and Duke will test it, even though they have played on the road before.
Kentucky boasts a long list of impressive victories, including those over Duke and Gonzaga as well as against Florida, Texas A&M (twice), Mississippi State and Tennessee. Kentucky Wildcats offensive power makes them dangerous to any opponent. This match requires a strong defensive effort.
Kentucky’s high-octane offensive style often results in high-scoring matches. The Wildcats scored 80 or more points five times in their seven last games. The Wildcats have let their opponents reach 80 points or higher 12 times.
Auburn vs. Kentucky Best Bets
We expect a high scoring game, and we recommend betting on the total. A small bet can also be placed on Kentucky, given their impressive home record.
- Over 164.5 (-115 at FD) — 1 unit
- Kentucky +4.5 (-105 at DK) — 0.5 units
Alabama vs. Tennessee: How to Bet?
Alabama vs. Tennessee Betting Odds
- Spread: Tennessee -3.5 (-115) at DK; Tennessee -3.5 (-112) at FD
- Total: Same odds as DK at 158.5 O-110 U-110
This is an interesting game, as the fast-paced Alabama offense will face off against Tennessee’s slow approach. The Crimson Tide is a team that likes to keep the pace up, whereas the Volunteers are more of a deliberate type. Alabama’s adjusted KenPom tempo is ranked No. Tennessee is ranked No. 346.
Tennessee wants to consolidate its claim for the No. 1 seed after an impressive February, which included wins against Florida, Missouri, Texas A&M and Missouri. A home win over Alabama will give Tennessee the No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament. Crimson Tide is also aiming for the top spot in Big Dance.
The high-octane style of Alabama and its reliance on the three-point shot creates a ceiling in their offensive. Vols’ experience is a big advantage. Tennessee has a strong starting line-up, with a lot of seniors. This is reflected in their 14-1 record on Thompson-Boling Arena.
Alabama vs. Tennessee Best Bet
- Tennessee -3.5 (-112 at FD) — 1 unit
Texas A&M at Florida: How to Bet?
Texas A&M vs. Florida Betting Odds
- Spread: Florida -9.5 at DK (-110); same odds for FD
- Total: 148.5 (O-105; U-115) at DK; 147.5 (-110) at FD
Texas A&M was on a winning streak, having won seven out of eight games. However, they were beaten by Mississippi State in a road game back in February. Aggies have lost three straight games. They also had losses against Tennessee and Vanderbilt.
Aggies always have a good defensive unit. The Aggies have been atypically porous in their defense throughout this losing streak. It does not look good for the upcoming trip to Florida.
Florida has just suffered a shocking loss against Georgia but remains a strong team. The Florida Gators, despite the possibility of a loss at home, are a top team and capable of regaining the win.
Texas A&M should be able to recover well enough so as to cover the line. The Florida Gators will win, even though they are favorites. In 28 games, the Gators have lost only three games by more than 10 points.
Texas A&M vs. Florida Best Bet
- Texas A&M +9.5 (-110 at DK) — 1 unit