SEC Notebook
by Ryan Glenn
As the wild ride continues in the SEC, the match-ups on Saturday could have the biggest impact on the conference thus far. In what could be called ‘Separation Saturday”, the winners might show us what to expect in the weeks leading up to March. All the games are divisional, so teams are playing each other for the second time or will meet again later in the season.
Florida at Kentucky
As most already know, this is the marquee match-up in the SEC. Florida comes in as the No. 1 team in the country and is undefeated in conference play. Kentucky has won three straight behind the play of Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley. Crawford is averaging 18.3 ppg in conference play and Bradley has scored 20 or more in the last three games. The key to this game will be the play of Randolph Morris against the Gator frontcourt. If the Gators can contain Morris, the Cats will be forced to depend on their perimeter shooting.
The last time a No. 1 team came to Rupp Arena was 2003. It was Florida and they were knocked off 70-55.
If the Gators win: Florida will have a three game lead in the division and a nice separation from the rest of the pack.
If the Wildcats win: Kentucky will move just one game out of first place and will prove to the conference that Florida can be beaten.
Vanderbilt at Tennessee
Vanderbilt is one of the hottest teams in the conference and has won five of their last six games. They may be playing great, but the Commodores head to Knoxville to face a Tennessee squad that has yet to lose at home. The Vols will be looking for Duke Crews and Ramar Smith to have a good performance in front of the home crowd. Derrick Byars, who has led Vandy in scoring seven of the last eight games, will need some help from Shan Foster and Dan Cage to come away with a win.
If the Commodores win: Vandy will stay in third place and even have a chance to move into a tie for second with a Kentucky loss.
If the Volunteers win: Tennessee will get their second straight win as they recover from the absence of Chris Lofton.
Alabama at Ole Miss
Perhaps the most unpredictable team in the conference, Alabama has now won three straight and will remain in first place in the West Division with a win Saturday at Ole Miss. Alabama is led by Jermareo Davidson who is averaging 15 points and 9 rebounds a game. The rest of the team puts up good numbers, but the Tide’s defense has been sub-par in many of the conference games. Ole Miss is getting the much needed production from Bam Doyne and Clarence Sanders in the backcourt to compliment Dwayne Curtis down-low. Doyne is averaging 16.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
If the Crimson Tide win: Alabama will remain on top of the West by one game and extend their winning streak to four games.
If the Rebels win: Ole Miss will move into a tie for first with the Tide and possibly Arkansas.
Mississippi State at Auburn
Mississippi State comes in to Auburn looking for their first SEC road win. Auburn is looking to snap a two-game losing streak and get back in the race in the West. In their first meeting, the Bulldogs came out on top 87-76. Auburn has been struggling with turnovers and has averaged 22 in the last two games. The Bulldogs will be looking for somebody to step up besides Jamont Gordon. Gordon leads the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists, but the lack of consistency from teammates has cost them a few wins. This one could go either way and should be entertaining to watch.
If the Bulldogs win: Miss. State will still be in the wild SEC West race.
If the Tigers win: Auburn will end a two game losing streak and could possibly be a half-game out of first in the division.
Arkansas at LSU
Oh what a difference a year makes. Even with Tyrus Thomas leaving for the NBA, Glen Davis was returning to the Final Four squad and expectations were high for LSU. Now the Tigers have lost three straight and are on the verge of not evening making it to the NIT. Arkansas comes to Baton Rouge with a 4-5 record in the conference and is looking to stay in the division race. Freshman Patrick Beverley is leading the team in scoring and has been a great fit to the lineup with the addition of Gary Ervin at the point. The Razorbacks won the first meeting against LSU 72-52, but the Tigers have hope in the fact that they are 11-3 at home this year.
If the Razorbacks win: Arkansas will move to .500 in the conference and could move into a three-way tie for the division lead with an Alabama loss.
If the Tigers win: LSU will snap a six game losing streak and start the trek to move out of last place.
Georgia at South Carolina
After Georgia started 5-2, they had the attention of many in the country as an emerging team in the SEC. The Bulldogs have now lost three straight games, however, and are looking for a victory just to stay in the hunt in the very competitive East Division. South Carolina has been at the bottom of the division looking up since the first week and is desperately looking for a win. Tre’ Kelley has been the one bright spot for the Gamecocks, managing a career-high 36 points against Kentucky, but after him, nobody has been able to step up and make shots. Though Georgia should come away with a win, a victory from Dave Odom’s squad would not be a shocker.
If the Bulldogs win: Georgia will remain in the chase to catch up with the Gators and snap their losing streak.
If the Gamecocks win: South Carolina will get a much-needed win, but will still be last in the East.
