On Friday, March 14, 2025, the fifth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide will face off against the No. 15 Kentucky Wildcats at the SEC Tournament taking place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. This clash marks the third meeting between these two teams within the last two months, with Alabama prevailing in both previous regular-season encounters.
Alabama enters the game with an overall record of 24-7 and secured the No. 3 seed for the SEC Tournament, having earned a double-bye. The team's momentum is bolstered by their recent victory over No. 1 Auburn, where they triumphed 93-91 during overtime on March 8, 2025, thanks to a buzzer-beater by Mark Sears.
Kentucky, on the other hand, stands at 22-10, entering the SEC Invitational as the No. 6 seed. The Wildcats have their own motivation, coming off a thrilling 85-84 victory over Oklahoma, where Otega Oweh nailed the game-winning shot just 0.5 seconds before the final buzzer.
This matchup has considerable stakes, particularly following Alabama's previous successes against Kentucky. The Crimson Tide managed to secure impressive victories earlier this year, first winning 102-97 at Rupp Arena on January 18 with standout performances by Grant Nelson, who recorded 25 points and 11 rebounds. Their second encounter resulted similarly, with Alabama defeating Kentucky 96-83 at Coleman Coliseum on February 22, where Mark Sears recorded 30 points and Aden Holloway contributed another 19.
Looking at the odds, BetMGM lists Alabama as the favorite at -6.5 points with the over/under set at 180.5. This game promises to be entertaining, as both teams boast talented rosters and the ability to deliver thrilling basketball.
The game on Friday will begin around 8:30 p.m. CT, approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Missouri vs. Florida game. Fans can catch the action on SEC Network, with streaming options available on Fubo and ESPN+.
For those wanting to listen instead, the Crimson Tide Sports Network will cover the game on SiriusXM Channel 190 and the Varsity App, providing play-by-play commentary from Chris Stewart and Bryan Passink.
Alabama's potential roster changes might also affect the game; budding star Derrion Reid is listed as questionable due to hamstring issues. His participation could provide additional firepower for the Tide, making their game strategy even more intriguing.
With both teams hungry for success, expect to see high stakes and adrenaline-pumping plays tonight. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Kentucky can finally secure a win against Alabama this season, or if Alabama will continue to dominate their rivals. Whichever the outcome, this face-off promises to deliver everything college basketball fans could hope for.