Vanderbilt needs a win to avoid a spot on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Tennessee needs a win just to keep its season alive.
Vanderbilt's opening game at the SEC Tournament brings two major storylines:
1. A third game against arch rival Tennessee
2. The opportunity to cement an NCAA Tournament bid.
As such, the Commodores can lock down two major achievements on Thursday; a 3-0 sweep over their in-state rivals and an all-but-guaranteed spot in the big dance. The Vols are trending upward after absolutely ruining a listless Auburn team in the only opening round game of the SEC Tournament, but UT has had zero success against Vanderbilt in 2016.