Kentucky vs LSU: SEC Tournament Opener

0:00On March 10th, the SEC Tournament kicks off Wednesday in Nashville with Kentucky facing LSU in the opening game at 12.30 p.m. Eastern time. The Wildcats open at 6.5 point favorites with a total of 153.5. Projections from Ken Palm and Bart Torvik see Kentucky winning around 79-74 or 80-74 while ESPN's BPI gives LSU just a 24.9% chance. Both teams hit late skids to land here, but Kentucky's two wins in their last seven look better than LSU's two and 10. Against the spread, they've mirrored each other lately, Kentucky covered three straight before dropping two, and LSU four before three misses. LSU's been solid as an underdog in conference play, covering 8-13, though they've snagged just one outright win. Their earlier match up this year was a thriller, with Kentucky rallying from 18 down for a buzzer-beater victory by Malachai Marano. Expect some nerves from Big Blue Nation after last year's close tournament opener.

1:04Still, the Wildcats aim to shake off the rest and build momentum toward March madness. Tune in on SEC Network or catch the UK Sports Network on stations like A-40, W-H-A-S or 98.1, 1 W-B-U-L, with live coverage starting. Soon after noon, this early test could set the tone for Kentucky's run.