2011 Big East/SEC Challenge Predictions: Night Two

The Big East/SEC Challenge tipped off last night and I guess we can call it even so far.  The two leagues split four games, with Providence and Georgetown coming up big for the Big East, while #1 ranked Kentucky and Mississippi held it down for the SEC.

Kentucky proved to be way too much for the undermanned St. John’s squad, winning 81-59. Mississippi withstood a furious second half comeback from DePaul to hold on for a 70-68 victory in Rosemont.

Busting Brackets’ #28 Georgetown, opened many eyes last night by grinding out a 57-55 win at #6 Alabama. Providence continued their improved road play under new coach Ed Cooley by taking care of South Carolina, 76-67 in Columbia.

Tonight, the action continues with no shortage of intriguing match-ups. Let’s take a look at what’s on the slate…

#8 Florida (5-1) at #4 Syracuse (7-0) – 7 PM ET, ESPN

This top 10 match-up is sure to be a good one.  There will be an abundance of talent on the Carrier Dome floor tonight, as the Gators come in with one of the nation’s premier backcourts to face a Cuse team that has talent at all positions.

Florida’s only test so far was at Ohio State, where they came up short, despite outrebounding the Buckeyes. They will have to have a similar performance on the boards in order to stay with the bigger Orangemen. The Gators’ heralded guards will also have to shoot the ball well against the 2-3 zone.

Syracuse, who has yet to play outside of the State of New York, will look to show they are indeed a Final Four caliber team. The Cuse’s depth and size should be too much for the Gators on the road.

Prediction: Syracuse 81, Florida 75

Cincinnati (4-2) at Georgia (4-3) – 7 PM ET, ESPNU

This is an interesting match-up between two teams that have yet to establish themselves early this season. The question is whether either of them ever will.

Both the Bearcats and Bulldogs have accumulated their win totals versus subpar competition and neither team has beaten a legitimate NCAA Tournament team, to date. Georgia is coming off of consecutive losses to Xavier and Colorado, while Cincinnati got a semi-quality win against Miami Ohio on Tuesday, after suffering a home loss to Marshall last week.

This will be a measuring stick game for both squads, particularly for Cincinnati, who was ranked in most preseason polls.

Prediction: Cincinnati 68, Georgia 61

#14 Vanderbilt (5-2) at #8 Louisville (6-0) – 9 PM ET, ESPN

Friday’s other marquee match-up features two teams with high preseason hopes currently headed in different directions. Rick Pitino has his Cardinals playing well early and they only figure to get better, as freshman Chane Behanan gains more experience and Peyton Siva’s injured ankle continues to improve.

Vandy, a team who many doubted could live up to its preseason billing in the first place, has been hampered by the absence of big man Festus Ezili and the Commodores’ early season schedule has not been forgiving.  They lost at home to a tough Cleveland State team a few weeks ago and were beaten in overtime by an even tougher Xavier squad on Monday.

Tonight, Vanderbilt will be tested again, this time by relentless full court pressure. For a team not known for their ball handling skills, it could make for a long night.

Prediction:  Louisville 78, Vanderbilt 69

Auburn (4-0) at Seton Hall (5-1) – 9 PM ET, ESPNU

It‘s a long way, both literally and figuratively, from Auburn, Alabama to Newark, New Jersey. But, that is the trip that Tony Barbee and his Tigers have been forced to make. Luckily for Auburn – as well as Seton Hall and the fans, for that matter – tonight’s game will be played inside the friendly and surprisingly comfortable confines of the Prudential Center (apologies to Mayor Booker).

Things are unlikely to remain all that comfortable between the lines for Auburn, as this will be their first game this season against any competition. Seton Hall, on the other hand, has a couple of nice victories under their belt, having beaten St. Joseph’s and VCU, while losing a close one to Northwestern.

Look for the Pirates to represent the Big East well in this one.

Prediction: Seton Hall 83, Auburn 67

What are your thoughts on tonight’s games in the SEC/Big East Invitational?

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