Oklahoma vs. Kentucky in the SEC Tournament
The Kentucky Wildcats are set to face the Oklahoma Sooners in the second round of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The game is scheduled for approximately 9:30 PM Eastern Time (8:30 PM Central Time) at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Season Overview and Previous Encounter
Kentucky enters the tournament as the sixth seed with a 21-10 overall record and a 10-8 mark in SEC play. Oklahoma, seeded 14th, holds a 20-12 overall record and went 6-12 in conference games.
The teams previously met on February 26, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma, where Kentucky edged out an 83-82 victory. In that game, Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, a former Sooner, delivered a standout performance with a career-high 28 points, including scoring 18 of Kentucky’s final 21 points. He also made a crucial block on Oklahoma’s potential game-winning shot at the buzzer. Oklahoma’s Jalon Moore contributed 20 points, while freshman Jeremiah Fears added 18 points in that contest.
Oklahoma’s Path to the Second Round
Oklahoma advanced to the second round by defeating the 11th-seeded Georgia Bulldogs 81-75 on March 12. Jeremiah Fears led the Sooners with an impressive 29-point performance, showcasing his scoring ability and composure under pressure. This victory bolstered Oklahoma’s chances of securing an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 2021.
Implications for NCAA Tournament Seeding
For Kentucky, a deep run in the SEC Tournament could enhance their seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. They are currently projected as a 3-seed but could drop to a 4-seed with an early exit. Oklahoma, on the other hand, needs to continue winning to solidify their place in the NCAA Tournament, especially after their 6-12 SEC play record.
Broadcast Information
The game will be televised on the SEC Network and available for streaming on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage will be provided by the UK Sports Radio Network.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Betting odds favor Kentucky by 6.5 points, and several predictions anticipate a narrow victory for the Wildcats.
This matchup presents an exciting opportunity for both teams to advance in the SEC Tournament and strengthen their NCAA Tournament prospects.