SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament 2025: A Comprehensive Preview

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) Men’s Basketball Tournament, a highly anticipated annual event, is set to tip off on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025, in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. This year’s tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring some of the nation’s elite basketball programs battling for the coveted SEC tournament crown and an automatic bid to the prestigious NCAA Tournament. As Selection Sunday looms, the stakes are exceptionally high, with several teams looking to solidify their tournament aspirations.

This year’s edition boasts a compelling narrative with established powerhouses and hungry underdogs alike vying for supremacy. Auburn, the regular-season champion, enters the tournament as the top seed and a strong favorite. However, they face stiff competition from a host of formidable contenders, including Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama, all of whom possess the talent and experience to make a deep run in March Madness. Beyond the top tier, teams like Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas are fighting tooth and nail to improve their NCAA Tournament resumes, adding another layer of intrigue to the early rounds.

The Contenders

Auburn: As the regular-season champions, the Auburn Tigers are the team to beat. Their balanced attack, featuring a mix of talented guards and imposing forwards, makes them a difficult matchup for any opponent. Coach Bruce Pearl has instilled a winning culture in Auburn, and their experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable in the tournament.

Florida: The Florida Gators have emerged as a national championship threat under their astute coach. Their up-tempo style of play and commitment to aggressive defense can overwhelm opponents. With a dynamic backcourt and a strong inside presence, the Gators are a serious contender for the SEC title.

Tennessee: The Tennessee Volunteers, known for their physicality and defensive prowess, are always a tough out. Coach Rick Barnes has built a program predicated on toughness and discipline. Their ability to control the tempo and limit opponents’ scoring opportunities makes them a dangerous team in the tournament.

Alabama: The Alabama Crimson Tide, under their innovative coach, are one of the most exciting offensive teams in the country. Their high-scoring attack, fueled by a plethora of three-point shooters, can dismantle opponents. If the Crimson Tide can maintain consistency on the defensive end, they have the potential to make a deep tournament run.

Teams on the Bubble

Several teams enter the SEC Tournament with their NCAA Tournament hopes hanging in the balance. These squads will need to make a strong showing in Nashville to impress the selection committee and secure a bid to the Big Dance.

Arkansas: The Arkansas Razorbacks, led by a talented coaching staff, have struggled with consistency throughout the season. However, they possess the talent to upset higher-seeded teams. A strong run in the tournament could be enough to earn them an at-large bid.

Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Sooners have had an up-and-down season, but they have shown flashes of brilliance. Their ability to score points in bunches makes them a dangerous team to face. They will need to string together some wins in Nashville to bolster their tournament resume.

Texas: The Texas Longhorns are another team on the bubble. Their inconsistent play has hurt their chances of earning an at-large bid. They need to demonstrate their potential in the tournament and make a deep run to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Tournament Schedule and Broadcast Information

The 2025 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament will be broadcast on the SEC Network and ESPN. The first and second rounds will be exclusively on the SEC Network, showcasing the depth and talent within the conference. As the tournament progresses, ESPN will take over the coverage for the quarterfinal matchups, semifinals, and the championship game, bringing the excitement to a national audience.

For those who prefer streaming options, Fubo offers a free trial subscription to new users, allowing fans to catch all the SEC action live.

First Round – Wednesday, March 12 (SEC Network)

• Game 1: No. 9 Arkansas vs. No. 16 South Carolina (1:00 PM ET)
• Game 2: No. 12 Vanderbilt vs. No. 13 Texas (3:30 PM ET)
• Game 3: No. 10 Mississippi State vs. No. 15 LSU (7:00 PM ET)
• Game 4: No. 11 Georgia vs. No. 14 Oklahoma (9:30 PM ET)

Second Round – Thursday, March 13 (SEC Network)

• Game 5: No. 8 Mississippi vs. Game 1 winner (1:00 PM ET)
• Game 6: No. 5 Texas A&M vs. Game 2 winner (3:30 PM ET)
• Game 7: No. 7 Missouri vs. Game 3 winner (7:00 PM ET)
• Game 8: No. 6 Kentucky vs. Game 4 winner (9:30 PM ET)

Quarterfinals – Friday, March 14

• Game 9: No. 1 Auburn vs. Game 5 winner (1:00 PM ET, ESPN)
• Game 10: No. 4 Tennessee vs. Game 6 winner (25 minutes after Game 9, ESPN)
• Game 11: No. 2 Florida vs. Game 7 winner (7:00 PM ET, SEC Network)
• Game 12: No. 3 Alabama vs. Game 8 winner (9:30 PM ET, SEC Network)

Semifinals – Saturday, March 15 (ESPN)

• Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner (1:00 PM ET)
• Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner (25 minutes after Game 13)

Championship – Sunday, March 16 (ESPN)

• TBD vs. TBD (1:00 PM ET)

Conclusion

The 2025 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. With a mix of top-tier contenders, bubble teams fighting for their lives, and a passionate fan base, the tournament promises five days of intense competition and thrilling moments. Whether you’re a die-hard SEC fan or a casual basketball enthusiast, the tournament is a must-watch event. Be sure to tune in and witness the excitement as the SEC’s finest battle for the crown and a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament. The road to March Madness runs through Nashville!