Hey there guys,
Yeah I'm a little late. Whatever. It's my spring break. What are you doing? Going to the beach? Getting wasted? Well, take an advil. Eat some Easy Mac and recover from that first hangover of every spring climax and let me fill your mind with SEC basketball wisdom.
Friday's action
#1 Kentucky 60, #8 LSU 51
MVP: Anthony Davis, Kentucky, 12 pts 13 reb 6 blk
LVP: Justin Hamilton, LSU, 4 pts 7 reb
Reaction: Kudos to LSU. This should not have been this close. In fact, with just over 15 minutes remaining in the game LSU had the lead, 35-30. But in the end the better team won, as UK out-scored the Tigers 30-16 over the final 15 minutes and the defensive player of the year, Davis, made life miserable for anyone who attempted to drive in the lane. Kentucky's offense game was extremely lethargic, they were never in attack mode and honestly it appeared as if they took this game for granted. But in the end talent was the better indicator.
Looking ahead: Kentucky is going to face the winner of Alabama vs. Florida, which is about to take place. Both Bama and Florida were considered potential candidates to knock Kentucky off the top, however neither has really lived up to the expectations. Kentucky is going to need to limit their turnovers if they don't want another scare like they encountered today. Side Note: LSU is going to be incredible in the future. The talent level is increasing with every class.
#5 Alabama vs. #4 Florida
Line: Florida -3.5
Preview: I fully expect Alabama's defense to give the Gators fits this afternoon, but without Tony Mitchell in the lineup it's hard to see the Tide winning this game. As talented as Bama's guard combination is with Releford, Randolph, Steele and Lacey/Hankerson coming off the bench, they don't match up favorably with Beale, Walker and Boynton. Don't get me wrong, I expect this game to be hard fought, I mean Alabama held Florida's bench scoreless in their last meeting, but Bama just doesn't have the offensive guns to finish the deal. I'm taking Florida by 5.
#7 Ole Miss vs. #2 Tennessee
Line: Tennessee -3.5
Preview: Tennessee as the #2 seed is the biggest question mark of the entire tournament. That aside, this has become the most interesting second round match up of any conference tournament. In any other season neither of these teams would even be considered for an NCAA tourney bid, yet because of a weak bubble the winner of this game may just well have played their way in. I know, I can't believe it either. One thing to look is going to be the production of Murphy Holloway. The junior forward is a double-double machine, yet picked up just 11 points and 4 boards in the first contest. That said the freshman sensation Jarnell Stokes was also held to a below average performance with 8 boards and 8 points. I'm going with whichever player has the bigger game. I'm taking the Vols by 3.
#11 Georgia vs. #3 Vanderbilt
Line: Vanderbilt -7
Preview: I'm still stunned by last night's upset of Mississippi State. I mean, I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but still. It's Georgia. They're the number 11 seed for a reason. Vandy may have not ended the season that well, but this is the second most talented team in the SEC. Easily. And they have my favorite name: Festus. Vandy is going to get Festus. Vandy by 8.
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