NASHVILLE — Kentucky basketball will try to make it through to the SEC Tournament semifinals for the first time in three years tonight at Bridgestone Arena.
But three is a number coach Mark Pope and the Wildcats also are looking to avoid.
That’s because tonight’s opponent, Alabama, is seeking its third win in as many meetings this season with UK. The last team to top Kentucky three times in a single campaign was Florida in 2013-14.
UK reached tonight’s quarterfinal courtesy of a heart-stopping, 85-84 win over Oklahoma in Thursday’s second round. As the tournament’s 3-seed, Alabama had a double bye into the quarterfinals.
Here’s what you need to know to follow today’s game from home:
IT’S BRACKET MADNESS: Enter USA TODAY’s Bracket Challenge contest for a chance at $1 million prize.
Kentucky basketball vs. Alabama TV channel, live stream
TV channel: SEC Network
Streaming: Watch ESPN, FUBO (free trial)
Kentucky vs. Alabama prediction
Ryan Black, Louisville Courier Journal: Alabama 92, Kentucky 81
There aren’t many factors working in the Wildcats’ favor in this one. The on-court results when these two have met this season aren’t encouraging. Nor is Kentucky’s quick turnaround after Thursday’s emotional win over Oklahoma. But the fact of the matter is Alabama is a legitimate national title contender. There’s plenty at stake for the Crimson Tide this week, as it’s in a three-way battle for the final No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament against SEC rivals Florida and Tennessee. To be certain, UK won’t roll over. It will push Alabama for 30 minutes before Nate Oats’ outfit pulls away late to win by double digits.
Emilee Smarr, Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 98, Kentucky 95
It’s hard to beat a blueblood on the road. After hanging 102 in Rupp Arena, it’s hard to get the ‘Cats at home and win again. To go 3-0, Clifford Omoruyi has to show up around the rim to handle 7-foot Amari Williams.
SEC tournament schedule, bracket
Access the bracket for this year’s 16-team SEC Tournament by clicking here.
And here’s the full schedule for the 2025 SEC Tournament, which begins Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville:
All times Eastern
Wednesday, March 12
First round
Game 1: No. 9 Arkansas 72, No. 16 South Carolina 68
Game 2: No. 13 Texas 79, No. 12 Vanderbilt 72
Game 3: No. 10 Mississippi State 91, No. 15 LSU 62
Game 4: No. 14 Oklahoma 81, No. 11 Georgia 75
Thursday, March 13
Second round
Game 5: No. 8 Ole Miss 83, No. 9 Arkansas 80
Game 6: No. 13 Texas 94, No. 5 Texas A&M 89 (2OT)
Game 7: No. 7 Missouri 85, No. 10 Mississippi State 73
Game 8: No. 6 Kentucky 85, No. 14 Oklahoma 84
Friday, March 14
Quarterfinals
Game 9: No. 1 Auburn 62, No. 8 Ole Miss 57
Game 10: No. 4 Tennessee 83, No. 13 Texas 72
Game 11: No. 2 Florida 95, No. 7 Missouri 81
Game 12: No. 3 Alabama vs. No. 6 Kentucky, 9:30 p.m.*, SEC Network
Saturday, March 15
Semifinals
Game 13: No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 4 Tennessee, 1 p.m., ESPN
Game 14: No. 2 Florida vs. Game 12 winner, 3:30 p.m.*, ESPN
Sunday, March 16
Final
Championship game: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, 1 p.m., ESPN
*Denotes approximate start times
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
