Alabama and Vandy tonight in SECT...

 

Will Ellis guard Pippen?

    Vanderbilt slapped the Georgia Bulldogs last night in round one of the SECT. The final score was Vanderbilt 81-59, and it wasn't that close. The Commodores held the hapless Bulldogs to 14 points in the first half. Vandy beat the Bulldogs for the third time this season. More importantly, that allowed Vandy to rest their starters for almost the entire second half. Alabama will have their hands full tonight. Alabama beat Vanderbilt 74-72 in their earlier meeting. 

     Vegas has Alabama a 5.5 to 6.0 pt. favorite. Vandy has won 2 of their last five games, but each loss was close. My gut feeling is tonight's game will be a dog fight. The Tide needs to do the following to win:

1. Slow down Scottie Pippen, Jr., and hope the officials do not give him extra chances at the free-throw line.  He shot 13 free throws in the last game in Tuscaloosa. He might win an Oscar for the best acting job in college basketball.

Tide needs a big game from Shackleford

2.  Turnovers, turnovers, and more turnovers have killed the Tide all season. Bama needs to quit throwing the ball away. Is there any reason to think tonight will be different? Let's hope so, but I have my doubts. If the number is less than 12, Bama wins. 

3.  Bama needs some tough guy defense tonight. The offense will be better if they play well on the defensive end. Bediako needs to avoid unnecessary fouls. Gurley and Gary need to contribute on offense and pound the defensive boards. 

4.  The Tide needs to play like there is no tomorrow. Victories against Vandy and Tennessee are likely to lead to a better seed or location. No excuse for lack of effort. All reports to me are they are ready and excited about the SECT. 

5. Bama needs to win the battle of the boards. There will be a lot of offensive rebounds in this game due to three-point shooting. Look for Alabama to commit an additional man to the boards.

6. JD Davison needs to cut down on those lackadaisical passes. Bama's point guards commit too many turnovers. That needs to change. I'm betting it will be better tonight. Better will not be perfect. 

     The SEC Network commentators are trying to write off the Tide it seems. I have more faith in Tide than they seem to have. I like the Tide by 10.