I have steadfastly avoided using the dreaded "must win" description for any MBB game so far. But, the time has come - tonight is a must-win, in my opinion for 2 reasons:
1) To be reasonably safely in the field, Vandy needs to jump ahead of both Florida and Alabama. This game gives them the opportunity to get ahead of both. A win at FL gives Vandy a sweep of the series and a one game lead in the SEC - that should put Vandy securely ahead of FL. Plus, Alabama is will very likely lose at UK, which would put the two games behind Vandy in the SEC and a half game behind in the overall record - which should also put Vandy securely ahead of Alabama.
2) I just don't believe that Vandy can win its next 3 games, especially if they lost at UF. So, a loss leaves them with a likely 18-13 or maybe 17-14 record which would be the death blow to any tournament chances.
As for the game, Florida has only reached 70 points once in its last 5 games. I think if Vandy can score in the mid-70s, they have a very high probability of winning. My prediction: Vandy 74 UF 68.
1) To be reasonably safely in the field, Vandy needs to jump ahead of both Florida and Alabama. This game gives them the opportunity to get ahead of both. A win at FL gives Vandy a sweep of the series and a one game lead in the SEC - that should put Vandy securely ahead of FL. Plus, Alabama is will very likely lose at UK, which would put the two games behind Vandy in the SEC and a half game behind in the overall record - which should also put Vandy securely ahead of Alabama.
2) I just don't believe that Vandy can win its next 3 games, especially if they lost at UF. So, a loss leaves them with a likely 18-13 or maybe 17-14 record which would be the death blow to any tournament chances.
As for the game, Florida has only reached 70 points once in its last 5 games. I think if Vandy can score in the mid-70s, they have a very high probability of winning. My prediction: Vandy 74 UF 68.
