9:00 pm: Tennessee @ No. 18 Kentucky: Tonight Bruce Pearl will make his SEC debut on the Tennessee bench, a jump start that could be vital for a Tennessee team playing a very important road game. You see, Florida has taken a one game lead on Tennessee in the SEC East standings, while the Vols sit a game in front of the rest of the pack. There may still be seven games left in the season and a two game lead is far from insurmountable, but its also a deficit that will put a ton of pressure of the Vols the rest of the way if they hope to win the SEC's regular season title.
This is also a chance for Tennessee to move two games up on Kentucky for the second spot in the SEC East standings. That second spot is important because the top two teams in each division get a first round bye in the SEC Tournament. Auburn isn't exactly an intimidating first round matchup, but ask Florida State if the Tigers are a cakewalk.
As far as on the court, the Vols are going to have their work cut out for them. Kentucky is a different team at home than they are on the road. At least that is the perception. The Wildcats have lost three of their last five games, all of which came by two points. They are just getting into the teeth of their backloaded SEC schedule, which means that now would be a really bad time to have a slump. A primetime home game against a conference rival is as good of a time as any to make a statement.
Both teams have a lot to play for tonight. Neither team like each other. This one should be entertaining.
Of note -- Scotty Hopson sprained his ankle last week. He missed the last two games, and his status for tonight is uncertain.
7:00 pm: Xavier @ Georgia: While non-conference games this late in the season are a bit atypical, tonight's matchup between the Bulldogs and the Musketeers carries with it a lot of weight in regards to the bubble. Xavier didn't do much of note outside of conference play, but they are now 8-1 in the Atlantic 10 and look like the favorite to win the league. That said, the conference as a whole is down this season, meaning that knocking off a tournament contender like Georgia would be huge.
The game carries a little less importance for Georgia, as the Bulldogs still get a shot at teams like Tennessee, Florida, and Vanderbilt this season. That said, boosting their non-conference resume wouldn't hurt. The Muskies will have a tough time matchup with Trey Thompkins up front and with Travis Leslie's athleticism, but, as they have all season long, Xavier can counter with Tu Holloway.
7:00 pm: Penn @ Princeton: It feels weird to write about the Ivy this early in their conference season, but this game is for first place in the conference.
9:00 pm: Boston College @ Clemson: Whose pumped for some ACC bubble action?
Other Notable Games
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday's Pregame Beat: Bruce Pearl's back |
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