Well, the SEC bowed out of the big dance a bit early again this
year. Can't say I'm not disappointed, as it puts that "Vanderbilt
played admirably against an impossible schedule" thing into
question. But I'd still contend that while we've been down a bit at
the top, the overall top-to-bottom conference strength has been very
good the last few years.

But, now that the big dance is uninteresting (not really), what do we
focus on? Obviously, South Carolina has two more games left in New
York - here's hoping they can do to Boeheim's bunch what they did to
Ball State. SC's a good defensive team, and I personally think that
combined with their far superior post game will take them to victory
against the Orangemen. However, you can never count out Boeheim's
defensive nightmares and Shumpert's ability to take over a game. My
take, SC 59, SU 51.

Anything else going on in SEC hoops? Oh yeah . . . the WOMEN'S
tournament continues tonight! Two VERY big matchups involving SEC
teams, starting with the lesser. . .

South Carolina (3) vs. Duke (1) in the East! Duke seemingly has a
homecourt advantage here, being in the research triangle and all.
But, SC's just down the road and has a seriously good, seriously
talented team. If SC can hold Alana Beard in check tonight, watch
for them to pull the mild upset. If not, Duke should roll to another
final four. My take, SC 81, Duke 77.

Tennessee (2) vs. Vanderbilt (1) in the Midwest! It's a joke that
this matchup isn't happening in San Antonio, but heck - we'll take it
when we can get it. I've been itching for a rematch with these
jokers since they snuck past us in Knoxville, and they let me down in
the SEC tourney. But here 'tis, one of the biggest non-final four
games in women's hoops history - THE biggest in Vanderbilt women's
hoops history for sure.

Will Shyra Ely continue her stellar play in the post for UT? Will
Summitt have the guts to sit the outmatched Snow this time around?
Will Lawson get in a groove and counter her horrid performance
against BYU? Will UT turn this into an uptempo, physical matchup and
get Vandy out of their precise, highly successful gameplan?

Will Chantelle Anderson repeat one of the most impressive
performances of the year - a 22 point 5 rebound second half en route
to a 17 point thumping of the Vols in Nashville? Will Ashley Mac be
able to force the defense on Lawson like she did with NC's great
point guard? Will a freshman come of the bench and defend like a
senior to help deter UT's athletic superiority?

All questions that remain unanswered - but tune in at 9:30 EST
tonight on ESPN to hear Nancy Liebermann pander to coach Summitt, and
the 'Dores pull off a mild but yet media christened "stunning" upset
of the Vols! My take, Vanderbilt 66, Tennessee 59.

Enjoy!