Oklahoma vs Kentucky NCAAB Pick: SEC Tourney Second Round (Mar 13)

• Oklahoma defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 81-75 in the first round.
• Kentucky received a bye into the second round of the SEC Tournament.
• These two teams last met on Feb. 26th, Kentucky won 83-82.

The Oklahoma Sooners and Kentucky Wildcats are set to face off in the second round of the SEC Tournament, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Both teams aim to advance deeper into the tournament, with Kentucky looking to solidify its NCAA Tournament seeding and Oklahoma striving to make a case for an at-large bid.

Can Oklahoma Keep It Rolling?

The Sooners enter this matchup with momentum, having defeated Georgia 81-75 in the tournament’s opening round. This victory improved their overall record to 20-12, including a 6-12 mark in SEC play.

Oklahoma’s offense has been spearheaded by standout freshman guard Jeremiah Fears, who has consistently provided scoring and playmaking abilities.

Additionally, experienced shooters like Duke Miles and Brycen Goodine have contributed significantly from the perimeter.

To overcome Kentucky, the Sooners will need to maintain their offensive efficiency and tighten their defense, particularly in guarding the Wildcats’ versatile scorers.

How Will Kentucky Look?

The Wildcats, holding a 21-10 overall record and a 10-8 conference record, have had time to rest and prepare, thanks to their first-round bye.

The Wildcats’ offense has been prolific, averaging 85.8 points per game, which is 11.3 points more than the Sooners allow on average. Key players include guard Lamont Butler and forward Jaxson Robinson, both of whom have recently returned from injuries, providing a significant boost to the team’s depth and versatility.

Under the guidance of head coach Mark Pope, Kentucky has emphasized intensive scouting and preparation for the tournament. Kentucky’s strategy will focus on leveraging their high-scoring offense and applying defensive pressure to disrupt Oklahoma’s rhythm.

Oklahoma Sooners vs Kentucky Wildcats Pick

Kentucky enters the game as a 6.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 162.5 points. Kentucky’s previous victory over Oklahoma gives them a favorable outlook in this contest.

However, the Sooners’ recent performance and determination to secure an NCAA Tournament berth make them a formidable opponent. Expect a competitive game, with Kentucky’s depth and offensive firepower potentially making the difference in the later stages.