Predictions for the 2025 SEC Tournament scores, betting odds, and complimentary selections for March 12: Arkansas is expected to cover the spread and additional insights.

The 2025 SEC Tournament is set to commence with four first-round matchups on Wednesday, showcasing what is arguably the most competitive conference in the nation, with the potential for up to 13 teams to participate in March Madness this year. The tournament kicks off in Nashville at 1 p.m. ET, featuring a contest between No. 9 seed Arkansas and No. 16 seed South Carolina, where the Razorbacks are favored by 4.5 points according to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. Following this game, No. 12 seed Vanderbilt (-2.5) will face No. 13 seed Texas, No. 10 seed Mississippi State (-8.5) will compete against No. 15 seed LSU, and No. 11 seed Georgia (-3.5) will take on No. 14 seed Oklahoma. The question remains: who will emerge victorious in each of the first-round games of the 2025 SEC Tournament?

The SportsLine Projection model conducts simulations of every game 10,000 times and boasts a record of 225-165 (+1873) on its top-rated college basketball selections. Below are the recommended bets for the 2025 SEC Tournament on Wednesday, as per the model's analysis.

Arkansas (-4.5) is predicted to cover against South Carolina (-105 at BetMGM) with a projected score of Arkansas 75, South Carolina 67.

According to CBS Sports bracketologist Jerry Palm, Arkansas is currently projected as a No. 10 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, indicating that a loss could jeopardize their chances of making the tournament. John Calipari's team concluded the regular season strong, winning four out of their last five games, three of which were against teams expected to qualify for the tournament. In contrast, South Carolina, which tied a program record with 26 wins last season, has struggled this year, finishing with a 12-19 record and only two victories in SEC play. BetMGM Sportsbook offers the most favorable odds on this matchup at -105.

Texas is favored to win against Vanderbilt (+118 at DraftKings), with a projected score of Texas 80, Vanderbilt 74.

Vanderbilt is also on the bubble, as Palm projects them to be a No. 10 seed for March Madness. However, Mark Byington's Commodores have faced difficulties, losing seven of their last 11 games, primarily due to defensive shortcomings. They will now contend with Texas freshman Tre Johnson, who has beenIn his last seven games, he has averaged points per outing. Additionally, one may consider Texas (+2.5) against the spread; however, the model identifies greater value in Texas Moneyline, with the most favorable odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook (+118).

LSU (+8.5) is projected to cover against Mississippi State (-105 at BetMGM).  

Score prediction: Mississippi State 76, LSU 72.

The Bulldogs appear to be securely positioned within the field of 68, currently projected as a No. 6 seed in Palm's latest bracketology update. Conversely, LSU must secure victory in the 2025 SEC Tournament to obtain a bid, a challenging endeavor in the nation's most competitive conference. Notably, Mississippi State has struggled, posting a 5-11 record against the spread in their last 16 games and a 2-3 record on neutral courts this season.

Oklahoma is favored to win against Georgia (+147 at Bet365).  

Score prediction: Oklahoma 75, Georgia 74.

With a non-conference strength of schedule ranked 160 and a 6-10 record in Quad 1 matchups, Oklahoma is among the most precarious teams in the SEC. A victory here would elevate the Sooners to 20 wins and enhance their tournament resume. Oklahoma has successfully covered the spread in five consecutive games as underdogs, winning three of those outright, leading the model to suggest value in betting on the Sooners' Moneyline. Bet365 Sportsbook offers the best odds at +147, while DraftKings and BetMGM provide a spread of +3.5 at -110.

For additional college basketball picks today, you have already reviewed some of the model's top bets for Wednesday. You can access spread, total, and money-line selections for every game, all derived from a model that has simulated each matchup 10,000 times.