No. 11 Vanderbilt (15-0) hosts LSU (12-3) in a critical SEC clash, with the Commodores riding their best start since 2007-08 and the Tigers desperate to avoid another slow start after two consecutive conference losses.
The Commodores’ Historic Start
Vanderbilt is off to its best start since the 2007-08 season, when the team opened 16-0. The Commodores have been dominant at home, improving to 8-0 at Memorial Gymnasium with a thrilling 96-90 victory over No. 13 Alabama on Wednesday. This win was powered by a career-high 29 points from Tyler Tanner, who also contributed seven assists and four steals. Tanner’s performance has thrust him into the early conversation for SEC Player of the Year.
“I think (Tanner’s) confidence was shared with that bench group that was in the game, that they looked around and said, ‘We have Tyler Tanner and he’ll make some plays for us,’ and he did with assists,” Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington said. “And they just finished it off.”
The Commodores’ backcourt is one of the best in the nation, featuring Tanner (17.1 ppg, 2.6 steals per game) and Duke Miles (17.2 ppg, 3.0 spg). Miles returned from a two-game absence due to health issues to score 19 points against Alabama, showcasing the depth and resilience of Vanderbilt’s roster.
LSU’s Struggles and Injuries
LSU, on the other hand, has had a rocky start to its SEC campaign. The Tigers dropped their conference road opener at Texas A&M and suffered a disappointing 78-68 loss to South Carolina in their SEC home opener. In the latter game, LSU trailed 50-25 at halftime, a deficit that proved insurmountable.
“In the first half, we just did not have the urgency you have on the defensive side of the ball,” coach Matt McMahon said. “We gave them too much space. You’re not going to come back on anybody when you dig yourself that big of a deficit.”
Injuries have further complicated LSU’s season. The Tigers lost 6-foot-10 forward Jalen Reed (9.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg) for the season after a 6-0 start. Additionally, point guard Dedan Thomas Jr., who leads the team in scoring (16.2 ppg) and assists (7.1 apg), has been sidelined since December 29 with a leg injury. McMahon has termed the injury “day-to-day,” but Thomas has missed both SEC games, leaving freshman Jalen Reece to run the offense. Reece has struggled in SEC play, shooting 3 for 13 from the field with six turnovers in 65 minutes.
Key Players to Watch
For LSU to pull off an upset, they will need big performances from their remaining healthy stars:
- Mike Nwoko (15.7 ppg): A consistent scorer who can carry the offensive load.
- Max Mackinnon (13.6 ppg): A versatile guard who can contribute in multiple facets.
- Marquel Sutton (12.9 ppg): A reliable scorer who can stretch the floor.
Vanderbilt’s depth is equally impressive, with Tyler Nickel (14.7 ppg) capable of explosive scoring nights, including two games this season with eight 3-pointers. Devin McGlockton (10.9 ppg) and Jalen Washington (10.1 ppg) provide a strong inside presence.
Tempo and Strategy
LSU ranks 172nd in Ken Pomeroy’s adjusted tempo (68.6 possessions per game), indicating a preference for a slower pace. This could be a strategic advantage against Vanderbilt, which ranks 39th at 71.8 possessions per game. However, Vanderbilt’s ability to score in half-court sets makes them a formidable opponent regardless of tempo.
The Commodores will likely be without Frankie Collins (7.8 ppg), one of their primary ball-handlers, due to a meniscus injury. While the injury is not expected to be season-ending, his absence could impact Vanderbilt’s depth and ball-handling.
Why This Game Matters
For Vanderbilt, this game is an opportunity to solidify its status as a legitimate SEC contender and extend its undefeated streak. A win would mark their best start since 2007-08 and send a strong message to the rest of the conference.
For LSU, this game is about redemption. After two consecutive SEC losses, the Tigers need to prove they can compete at a high level despite their injuries. A win would not only boost their conference standing but also restore confidence in a team that has shown flashes of brilliance this season.
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