Sure it'd be nice, and back-to-back losses could definitely cause a downward spiral effect on our confidence, but statistically it's not a must win game. After a night like tonight, it's gonna be hard to go back on the road and beat a team that's had an entire week to prepare. They're also desperate for an SEC win. If we can protect the home court, all we need is two more road wins to finish 11-5. Ole Miss, Alabama, and Auburn are winnable road games.
That being said, 11-5 still might not be good enough for the West, as evidenced by LSU's effort tonight. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Tigers have a chance at contending for the overall conference title. They have all the tools and experience to do it, not to mention a solid head coach. And while 11-5 might only get us 2nd, it outta be enough for a tourney bid, especially if we can win a game in Tampa.
Now, did we look like a team that's gonna go 11-5 in Baton Rouge? Nope. But it's just one game.