Preview/GameThread: Texas A&M vs. Florida - SEC Tournament Quarterfinals

Now that we've all had a few days to bask in the infinite glory of our first conference title since 1986, it's time to get back down to business.

The Florida Gators await in today's SEC Tournament quarterfinal.

As today's bubble watch shows... we don't really need anything from this tournament. But we have a squad capable of winning the dang thing, so I see no reason to take our foot off the gas.

We've won six straight, we're flying high, and we'd like to keep that momentum going into the Big Dance.

Let's break it down

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Round one was a close call

Florida came to Reed Arena in early January and almost walked out with a victory.

They used their defense to stay at arm's length, and almost stole the game when A&M failed to close late. Our Freshman were still finding their SEC legs (get it?), and the Seniors had to carry most of the weight... and we just barely got it done.

Today, Florida faces a much, much deeper Texas A&M team than they did two months ago.

The Gators have struggled recently

Florida was looking like a surefire NCAA tournament team... until they got to that pesky "play the good SEC squads" part of their schedule.

Four straight losses (@ South Carolina, Vandy, @ LSU, Kentucky) sent them reeling towards the bottom half of the conference, and it was only a season-ending victory over Mizzou that stopped the skid.

They looked better against Arkansas yesterday, but I think we know who the Gators are at this point. They are solid defensively, they keep games close, but they ultimately lack the firepower to beat good teams late.

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For Texas A&M, today's mission is simple: don't change anything.

The Aggies have won six straight, and look to have finally achieved their ceiling in regards to offensive balance and bench production. We're better than Florida. Let's keep this simple.

Enjoy the extended lunch break, everyone.

BTHO Florida