Well aren't we all in for a treat with this SEC Tournament Final matchup between the #8 ranked Tennessee Volunteers and the #4 ranked Florida Gators at the Bridgestone Arena - that's right, I'm talking about the very heart of Music City, Nashville, TN.
By the looks of it, these Gators have been snacking on some pretty hefty competition lately and their stomachs aren't full just yet. With recent wins against Alabama Crimson Tide, Missouri Tigers, and Ole Miss Rebels, the Gators appear to be on a roll. As a Gator might say, “Chomp chomp.”
Key to their success this year, Walter Clayton who's brought his A-Game this season, averaging 17.4 points. And let's not forget Alex Condon who's been a rebounding machine. But hey, it's not a one-man or even a two-man team and players like Thomas Haugh and Will Richard each brings something to the table.
Not to be outdone, the Volunteers seem ready for a fight, and no, not just the verbal kind. Major performances have been put up by players such as Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler. Lanier, a scoring machine, has been averaging 17.9 points this season, while Zeigler plans his moves on the court as easily as some of us plan our grocery list - man's averaging 7.3 assists per game this season.
Now, let's dip our toes into the memory pond for a moment - these teams' past match-ups. Tennessee, unfortunately, didn't bring home the bacon last year in their clash with the Gators, losing out. But life does provide second chances, doesn't it?
Based on seasonal records, Florida Gators have a nose ahead of Tennessee, with 4 losses compared to Tennessee's 6. Now don't start bawling yet Vols fans, because your boys have seen a recent rise in form that can't be overlooked.
In the layman's version, this is a duel between an in-form scrappy Tennessee side and an ever so slightly higher ranked and steady Florida squad fighting it out on the neutral grounds of Nashville, TN. Now, based on past performances, recent form, and player matchups, I'd say it's going to be a close call!
Albert’s Prediction: Florida Gators by 3