Big Saturday for Basketball

In addition to the 3 bowl games today, there's a lot of great basketball going on. While the SEC has struggled on the court this season, today offers something of a chance to get the ship righted, as there are a handful of noteworthy games today.

*In one of the marquee matchups nationwide today, #12 Tennessee travels to #24 Xavier. This is the third big non-conference game the Vols will play, having defeated West Virginia and lost to Texas. The X is always tough at home and the Vols will need ace SG Chris Lofton to snap out of his shooting slump if they’re going to win this one.

*Florida takes on Ohio State in Columbus today. The Gators spanked tOSU twice last season, but neither teams even resembles their former selves this year. The Gators have yet to venture out of the O-Dome this season, so it will be interesting to see how they handle a hostile crowd for the first time this season. A victory would land the Gators back in the top 25.

*Ole Miss, though undefeated, has yet to play a marquee opponent. That changes today as they take on #15 Clemson in Puerto Rico today. It will be by far the biggest test of the non-conference season for the Rebels. If the Rebels can pull the upset today – Clemson is favored by 2.5 – it would rank with Tennessee’s win over West Virginia as the best non-conference wins of the season for the SEC.

*LSU takes on Oregon State today. While the Beavers certainly aren’t a marquee program, they are a name program from a BCS conference. The Tigers are 5-0 at home, but are coming off a 20-point loss at Wichita State Wednesday night. With no significant wins to date, the Tigers need to win this one to get back on track.