Alabama at Kentucky (17-7, 7-4) - Feb. 24
The Cats have been one of college basketball's worst defensive teams. The reason why could be that Kentucky has rarely had all its players available for games. Tuesday night in Lexington, the Kentucky defense appeared revived as the Cats dispensed with Ole Miss, 75-63. The Wildcats get outstanding guard play from Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard, and Antonio Reeves. When available, John Calipari also has three seven-footers to call on. PREDICTION: Bama can win in Lexington, but won't; Wildcats by five points.
Alabama at Ole Miss (18-6, 5-6) - Feb. 28
Alabama is a better team than Ole Miss and should win a close, road game. But the Rebels have some rim protectors and enough scorers to surprise the Crimson Tide. Bama will likely be flat at some point in the closing seven games. A hunch is it will be in Oxford. PREDICTION: Ole Miss wins by a single point.
Tennessee (17-6, 7-3) at Alabama - Mar. 2
The Vols looked bad losing to Texas A&M, but there is an argument Tennessee has the SEC's best roster with a balance of size and skill. Dalton Knecht is one of the nation's best players. Tennessee is also an outstanding defensive team. They could come to Tuscaloosa on a five-game winning streak. It will not be enough to overcome a determined Crimson Tide. PREDICTION: Bama wins by three points.