Down South Slugfest: SEC Tournament Preview

If the past few SEC Tournaments are any sign of things to come, expect fireworks when the SEC begins tournament play this Thursday. Tennessee is the obvious favorite, but anyone can win the lottery. In this case, Bruce Pearl is hoping that his team scores big in the lethal lottery slugfest known as the SEC Tournament. Here's the rundown on the bracket.

South Carolina vs. LSU

The Gamecocks ended the season with a loss to Tennessee, but the worst part is that they were hanging with the Vols in the first half. In the second half, the cheerleaders must have given those guys a happy ending at halftime because they were beyond mediocre. The Tigers look to capitalize on a good situation, but to do that, they have to get past South Carolina which shouldn't that hard of an issue. Despite a dismal season, the Tigers have high hopes. They only lost by two points in February to the Vols and the last time they played South Carolina, they escaped with a seven point win on the road. LSU will move on in this game, but both of these teams might be getting an invitation to the NIT Ball...if they're lucky.

Final Score: LSU 67, South Carolina 57

On Tap: Tennessee

Auburn vs. Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt blew their chance of a first round bye by losing to Alabama 78-73 to end the season. Now they have to deal with an Auburn team fresh off a 13 point spanking by the Arkansas Razorbacks. Two teams coming off of bad losses? Something's gotta give, ya think? The Commodores are looking to pick up where they left off, and show that they are for real this season. Auburn is looking for some respect and hopefully an NIT bid. However, if the Sports Gods are on their side, they could earn a spot in the Big Dance. But to do that, they have to contend with a Vanderbilt squad that is notorious for making teams think twice about upsets. The Commodores won their season meeting 78-71. I wouldn't expect the score to be any different in their second strike. 

Final Score: Vanderbilt 80, Auburn 71

On Tap: Arkansas

Alabama vs. Florida

The Tide shattered Vandy's dreams of a first round bye, while the Gators chances of another NCAA Tourney berth practically went up in smoke thanks to their old foe, Kentucky. The Tide lost the first meeting by 13, but they are seriously pumped after the upset win over the Commodores. As for the Gators, they are in serious trouble, and that hurts me to say that. Billy Donovan was not expecting this when he decided to come back after his quickie with the NBA. In this case, the tournament favors the Gators in this matchup. If this is anything like the football showdowns, this will be a pretty good game to watch. You want a first round nailbiter? How's this? A loss for the Gators in this one leaves them out of the tournament and the Tide can shatter another team's dreams in an instant. Simply put by the writers and analysts: "Finals or Bust for Florida." My take on this: "Don't count out Florida, yet." Hey! I got the Rockets right. I can take a chance.

Final Score: Florida 86, Alabama 70

On Tap: Mississippi State

Georgia vs. Ole Miss

These two ended the season against each other, and now they get to see each other again. The Rebels won by 14, and Georgia didn't have the same motivation as their football team had. The Rebels, on the other hand, are looking to do a little dancing of their own. With a shot at the NCAA Tournament on the line, expect the Rebels to have a severe holiday with the Bulldogs. Even though their victory over Georgia was their first conference road win of the season, the Rebs still have a shot at doing some damage in the tournament. If they get past Georgia, they got Kentucky again. If that happens, they'll be looking to avenge the 4 point loss they suffered to Billy Gillespie's squad in February. Georgia's season was practically over after the loss to Ole Miss to end the regular season. On Thurday, it doesn't get any better for them. This one will be ugly.

Final Score: Ole Miss 72, Georgia 59

On Tap: Kentucky