SEC Basketball Check-In

Is it just me, or is SEC basketball not getting nearly enough attention this year? Sure, certified bucket-getters like Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht and Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham have made their national waves, but the conference is also home to a few other high-end teams that have largely flown under the radar. But that may be starting to change…

• In the most recent AP Top 25, some of the biggest risers are from the SEC — #12 Auburn (up 4 spots), #16 Alabama (up 8 spots) and #15 South Carolina (previously unranked) 🤯

South Carolina’s gigantic leap into the rankings comes on the heels of an impressive five-game win streak, with #6 Kentucky and #5 Tennessee among their victims. Picked to finish dead last in the SEC preseason poll after going 11-21 last year, Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks have been one of the best stories of the season 👏

• And with Overtime Elite’s very own Eli Ellis headed to town next year, the future is looking awfully bright 🤩

But even with a 19-3 record, oddsmakers aren’t ready to buy SC as a true threat in the SEC just yet. They still fall into dark-horse territory behind a trio of top contenders…and surprisingly, the betting favorite isn’t sixth-ranked Tennessee. Check out updated odds to win the conference this season 👇

SEC Regular Season Winner _{(subject to change)}

• Alabama: +140

• Tennessee: +200

• Auburn: +220

• South Carolina: +1100

• Kentucky: +8000

Alabama leading the SEC at this point in the season may not seem all that surprising given their success last year (a conference title and the NCAA tournament’s top overall seed). But after a ton of roster turnover, this squad was only projected to be middle of the pack…Nate Oats just continues to cement himself as one of the best in the game 😤

Per usual, the Crimson Tide have truly tested themselves against the best of the best, having already faced five top-10 teams. And while they’re just 1-4 in those games, I’m sure that win is the one that mattered most…a four-point victory on their home floor over #8 Auburn just a couple weeks ago 😏

Well ladies and gents, tonight, we get the rematch. Except this time, Bruce Pearl and the Tigers get to host their in-state rival. After a pair of commanding victories last week, they look ready for revenge 😤

• And if this rivalry matchup wasn’t already spicy enough, both head coaches have stoked the flames a bit with some (mild) press conference quotes…Oats compared Neville Arena to a high school gym, while Pearl questioned the timing of Nick Pringle’s return from suspension 👀

• Don’t think this game is lacking star-power either. Even though they’re flying under the radar just like their teams, Alabama’s Mark Sears (20.1 PPG, 44.7% from 3) and Auburn’s Johni Broome (15.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.3 BPG) have been two of most impactful players in the country this season

So to sum it up, in tonight’s matchup we’ve got elite coaches, elite talent, and an electric rivalry atmosphere. Sounds like one you won’t want to miss — check out how the lines are shaping up 👇

#16 Alabama vs. #12 Auburn Betting Preview

• Spread: Auburn -4.5

• Moneyline: Auburn -210, Alabama +172

• Over/Under: 163.5 Total Points

• When: 7PM EST on ESPN2

Trivia Question: Mark Sears’ 20.1 PPG would be the most by an Alabama player in the 21st century. Which current NBA player has the mark to beat?

For My Parlay Gurus

Rivalry games like this always seem to come down to the wire, don’t they? Round 1 between these two teams wasn’t settled until the final seconds, and I’m expecting more of the same in the encore. Give me Alabama with the points and the over — check it out 👇

• Alabama +4.5 @ Auburn: -102

• Over 163.5 Total Points: -110

$100 on this bet would win you $241 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win an Overtime hoodie*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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Trivia Answer: Not since the 70’s has Alabama had a 20 PPG scorer, but Collin Sexton finished his lone season in Tuscaloosa averaging 19.2 PPG

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Many will enter, one (1) will win. Void where prohibited. Open to legal US & DC residents 18 years or older. Prize is one Overtime hoodie. Approximate retail value (“ARV”): $65. Entries are accepted until 11:59 pm EST on the day after the bet hits. See Campaign Terms for additional terms. ©2023 Overtime Sports, Inc. All rights reserved.