Previewing the weekend’s top 25 men’s basketball matchups, featuring multiple SEC teams

The GIST: Big things are happening in the SEC, with nine teams ranked in the latest AP Poll. Tomorrow offers three key conference matchups between ranked opponents — with all of these squads likely making an appearance in March, it’s the perfect time to get a leg up on your bracket by getting to know them now.

No. 4 Alabama at No. 8 Kentucky — 12 p.m. ET — ESPN: Alabama was on an eight-game win streak before losing to Ole Miss on Tuesday, meaning they’ll be extra hungry to turn the tides back in their favor. Meanwhile, Kentucky is coming off back-to-back wins over ranked teams — can they make it three straight?

No. 1 Auburn at No. 23 Georgia — 1 p.m. ET — SECN: Despite losing star senior Johni Broome to an ankle injury, Auburn’s still rolling. The Tigers have yet to lose in SEC play, with senior guard Chad Baker-Mazara picking up the slack in Broome’s absence. Case in point? He had a season-high 20 points in a Tuesday win over Mississippi State.

• As for Georgia, upsetting the nation’s No. 1 team is the best March Madness resume booster you can get. The Bulldogs will lean on freshman Asa Newell, who leads the team with 15.3 points per game.

No. 21 Ole Miss at No. 15 Mississippi State — 6 p.m. ET — ESPN2: Ole Miss junior forward Malik Dia has been unstoppable over the last three games, averaging 21 points per contest, a big increase from his season average of 9.5 points.

• Mississippi State will need to contain him to get back in the win column, especially after back-to-back losses to Kentucky and Auburn. An in-state rivalry with major stakes…this is going to be good.