The opening day of the 2025 SEC Tournament in Nashville delivered drama, heartbreak, and breakout performances. As the stakes rise and the games get tighter, the madness of March is already in full swing. Here's a rundown of the Day 1 action from Bridgestone Arena and a look ahead to today's intriguing matchups.
South Carolina vs. Arkansas
John Calipari's Arkansas Razorbacks narrowly avoided a first-round exit, edging out 16-seed South Carolina 72-68. Arkansas built a comfortable 47-30 halftime lead only to see the Gamecocks storm back with a furious second half comback. Trevon Brazile’s 16 points and 7 rebounds proved crucial as Arkansas withstood a heroic effort from South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles, who posted 20 points and 12 boards despite limping badly most of the game. Hats off the Gamecocks who didn't lay down when a lot of teams would have.
Texas vs. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt’s furious second-half rally fell short as Texas survived, 79-72, in a classic 13 vs. 12 battle. The Longhorns jumped out to a commanding 41-26 halftime lead before Vanderbilt responded with a 46-point second half. Texas guard Tramon Mark led the way with 19 points, while Jason Edwards' 20-point effort for Vanderbilt went to waste as their SEC Tournament dreams were dashed.
LSU vs. Mississippi State
Mississippi State delivered the day’s most dominant performance, crushing 15-seed LSU 91-62. The Bulldogs overwhelmed the Tigers from the start, fueled by Josh Hubbard’s electric 26-point night. LSU’s Jordan Sears managed 20 points, but it was nowhere near enough to keep pace with the relentless Bulldogs.
Oklahoma vs. Georgia
In a thrilling finale to Day 1, Oklahoma held off Georgia 81-75 in a fast-paced showdown. Jeremiah Fears carried the Sooners with 29 points, leading them past a feisty Georgia squad paced by Silas Demary Jr.’s 24 points. With their postseason hopes alive, Oklahoma now faces an even tougher challenge ahead.
Day 2 Preview
Day 2 of the SEC Tournament promises more fireworks with several marquee matchups:
1:00 PM EDT – Arkansas (No. 9) vs. Ole Miss (No. 8)
John Calipari’s Razorbacks aim to ride their momentum against an Ole Miss team looking for revenge after a tough January loss in Fayetteville.
3:30 PM EDT – Texas (No. 13) vs. Texas A&M (No. 5)
It’s a Lone Star State showdown as the Aggies, fresh off a bye, look to dispatch their in-state rivals. Can Tramon Mark and Tre Johnson's scoring touch keep Texas alive?
7:00 PM EDT – Mississippi State (No. 10) vs. Missouri (No. 7)
Josh Hubbard and the Bulldogs face their biggest test yet in a Missouri team desperate to avoid an early exit.
Kentucky basketball's SEC opener
9:30 PM EDT – Oklahoma (No. 14) vs. Kentucky (No. 6)
The nightcap promises drama as Kentucky, led by first-year coach Mark Pope, looks to avoid an upset against an Oklahoma squad feeling confident after knocking off Georgia. The last game was a 1 point win for the Cats in Norman. Can Oweh beat his old team twice, or will Kentucky's March hangover continue on?
Stay tuned for more madness from Nashville as the SEC Tournament continues to deliver unforgettable moments. Can the heavyweights avoid early exits? And which underdogs will continue their Cinderella runs? We’re about to find out.