More importantly, Kennedy’s squad has to keep start winning, and quickly, to work its way into the Big Dance. Though it will need some help from Arkansas and Mississippi State, the Rebels aren’t out of the race just yet. CTIs it a big deal? Ole Miss needs this win if it hopes to keep its head above water in the SEC West. Arkansas doesn’t play defense, well, at all so the ‘Backs will need to keep up the intensity on offense to keep it from being a blowout.So, what’s your prediction? Vanderbilt wins, 84-77.Ole Miss Alabama, 1:00 p.m.
If you’re in the region, there won’t be many more passionate gameday environments than there will be in Bud Walton.What do the stats say? Ken Pomeroy predicts an 82-77 Vanderbilt victory.What’s it going to be like? This should be a fast-paced and guard-oriented game Lots of threes, lots of points. Arkansas has been playing quite well since the return of Fortson, and Vanderbilt is coming off of a close, emotional overtime game against Georgia. With a trip to 19th-ranked Tennessee and a home matchup against Ole Miss on the horizon, a win here would be a big help.Why should I watch it? There’s a good chance of an upset. Arkansas might have more to play for, as Pelphrey’s squad is surprisingly just a game back in the SEC West.
The ‘Dores are also fighting for a two seed, though a three seed is more likely. CTIs it a big deal? If Vanderbilt is hoping to cling on to whatever chance of an SEC title it has, it must win this game. The Vols will be avoiding the post the way Tyler Smith should’ve avoided that gun.So, what’s your prediction? Tennessee wins, 72-64. #16 Vanderbilt Arkansas, 12:30 p.m. Look for heavy guard-play from Tennessee, and UK to dominate the paint. In general, a slower defense-oriented pace favors the home team, where the shots seem to fall more easily. Kenpom disagrees with both and predicts a 70-69 Kentucky win.What’s it going to be like? Both teams play tight defense, and aren’t used to close games.
Take the average of the two teams’ averages, and the Vols would win by a more comfortable 10 or 11 point margin. Per the SEC average, this would give Tennessee a three-point advantage. Just ask the Jayhawks from Kansas about that one.What do the stats say? In the two teams’ previous game in Lexington, Kentucky won 73-62. Tennessee has struggled, despite its ranking, but is capable of the win Afterall, Pearl is a madman in the underdog role. If a complete end-of-the-season faceplant occurs and UK drops its last three, Vandy would own it outright.Why should I watch it? With that all-but-useless conversation out of the way, the bigger story with this game is the entertainment factor. If the Wildcats drop two of their next three – which would be nothing short of jaw-dropping considering they’ve only lost one game thus far – and 16th-ranked Vanderbilt wins out, the Wildcats would be forced to share the title.
