Riding a five-game winning streak, the Commodores spent the week watching the rest of the Southeastern Conference beat up on each other. While taking a break during a hot streak doesn't seem like good fortune, the players are thankful for the timing.

"The week off has been good. We've been getting rested and some guys have feeling under the weather, so it's been a good time to recover," said freshman point guard Keegan Bell.

Bell also alluded to the winning streak, but believes recuperating was vital, especially at this point in the season.

"We were kind of on a roll, so to keep going would be a good thing but rest is more important," he said. "It's a long season, and this break has helped us refocus because we have some big games coming up."

For Bell, tomorrow's home against Georgia (3 p.m. tip-off) takes him back to his senior year of high school. The Alabama native initially committed to the Bulldogs out of high school before de-committing and eventually choosing Vandy. Like any recruit during the lengthy process, Bell became familiar with the coaches, players and facilities.

Still, Bell hopes to treat the game like any other league contest, regardless of any remaining personal ties.

"It was definitely weird being back there a few weeks ago, but I'll try to treat the Georgia game like any other game," Bell added. "I got to know the coaches pretty well, and they have a great program. But I'm definitely happy where I'm at; I love being a Dore."

To beat the Bulldogs (12-12, 3-8 SEC) a second time, the Commodores (22-4, 7-4 SEC) will continue to rely on their defense, which has helped carry them during their recent hot streak.

"Defensively we're more of where I envisioned us at the beginning of the year," Stallings said. "Especially during this winning streak, teams haven't shot well against us, and hopefully we can continue that."

To maintain their defensive proficiency, Vandy will have to contain Georgia point guard Sundiata Gaines. The do-it-all senior, who is averaging 14.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, has quietly become on of the SEC's best.

"Gaines is definitely underrated, one of the best all around point guards in the country," Stallings said. "He's an excellent defender, distributor and scorer, and you're not going to find a better rebounding point guard. He's certainly in the running for first team All-SEC."

The Bulldogs' record may be somewhat misleading as they have played competitive basketball, recently dropping close games to Tennessee and Kentucky.

Bell, who played a season-high 22 minutes against Florida, expects Georgia to maintain its recent effort in hopes of finally pulling out a close game, but he knows the Commodores are excited to get back out there as well.

"Georgia's played a lot of teams close lately, so they'll be pumped up," he said. "I'll be up for it too, though. I know all of us will be after not playing for a week. I'm expecting a good, intense game."