Weekend Games (2/16)

Some intriguing games this weekend. Key divisional battles - UF@VU, AU@OM, ARK@MSU, - that will go a long way in determining how teams will be seeded come SEC Tourney time. Here's what to expect this weekend...

Kentucky @ LSU
This game will pretty much define Kentucky's season. A few days after being waxed on national TV by 40+ points, UK Must travel to a suddenly inspired LSU team coming off a big win in Florida. While Buth Pierre and his fivehead are certainly a coaching upgrade over John Brady, can they continue this high level of play against the SEC East's top teams? Maybe I'm crazy, but I see UK getting it done here. Crazy things tend to happen when these teams meet up, and the 'Cats will come out ahead in the end.

Florida @ Vanderbilt
Fresh off an ugly home loss to LSU, the Gators need this one to keep pace in the muddled mess that is 2nd plae in the East. Vandy though, fresh off its most dominating performance of the season hasn't lost a home game all year. That coupled with UF's struggles on the road spells trouble for the 2-time champs. Vandy wins.

Tennessee @ Georgia
Both coming off big wins, though this game means much more to the Vols than it does the 'Dawgs. UGA is just another step in the Vols' march to an SEC crown.

Arkansas @ Mississippi State
Revenge will be on the minds of the Bulldogs, who suffered their first - and worst - SEC loss of the year in Fayetteville. The Hogs are coming off a road blowout to UT from Wednesday night and face the real possibility of the same fate in Starkville. While this game will be close, MSU is too tough at home for the Hogs. Arkansas' Gary Ervin will be a marked man from the time he steps onto campus.

Auburn @ Ole Miss
If the Rebels are going to stop their current bleeding, it has to start now. They've gone from 13-0 to an NIT team in a matter of weeks, but they can begin to rectify that with a win over an AU team that beat them on the Plains earlier this season. This should be a big bounce back game for the Rebels as AU is riding a 5-game losing streak. The Rebels will handle business.

Alabama @ South Carolina
The Tide finally managed to hit FTs in clutch situations and held on to knock off Ole Miss Wednesday night. Now, they face a USC team that was just blown out by UGA Wednesday night. In a battle of contrasting styles, the talented USC guards will be too much for the Tide. USC wins.

And for some Friday tunes...