The Missouri Tigers (8-15) are currently on an eight-game losing streak and will meet the Vanderbilt Commodores (13-10) at Memorial Gym. The game gets underway at 9:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Feb. 10 and will air on SEC and ES3.
The Commodores are hoping to rebound after their 85-78 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday. Wade Baldwin IV had a good game for Vanderbilt, recording 19 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. The Tigers, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 80-71 loss at the hands of Alabama on Saturday. Kevin Puryear led the game in scoring with 22 points.
The Vanderbilt defense could make it difficult on the shooters from Missouri. It ranks fourth in the nation in forcing misses (opponents’ eFG% of 42.2%), while the Missouri offense is 308th with a mark of 46.6%.
The Commodores come into this game 13-10 Straight Up (SU) and 10-11 Against The Spread (ATS). The Commodores have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 63.8 points during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 76.1 points per game. The Commodores are a phenomenal shooting team from three-point range with a .399 three-point field goal percentage, one of the highest marks in Division I. Crossing over to the defensive side of the court, the Vanderbilt defense is very good at home, only giving up 61.5 points per game. Teams have to fight for open shots against the Commodores, who have one of the best opponent field-goal percentages in the country at .379. An area where the Commodores are particularly strong is shot blocking, where they average 5.5 blocks per game, 19th in Division I.
Over on the other bench, the Tigers have records of 11-9-1 ATS and 8-15 SU. Missouri has been particularly bad ATS over its past 10 matchups, going 3-7.
These conference foes will be facing off in their first head-to-head clash of the season. When they last met the Commodores were winners, taking the head-to-head record to an even 3-3 SU over their most recent meetings. On the other hand, with a 5-1 record, Vanderbilt has the advantage ATS. Vanderbilt and Missouri each held the edge in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers) once in their last five meetings.
Predictions: SU Winner – Vandy, ATS Winner – Vandy
Notes
Vanderbilt averages 76.1 points per game (ranked 96th). Missouri, on the other hand, allows 70.9 points per game (ranked 134th).
Vanderbilt scores 80.7 points per home game (ranked 70th). Missouri ranks a poor 162nd in points allowed on the road, allowing 75.9 points.
Ranked 99th, the Vanderbilt Commodores have an offensive rating of 109.0. The Missouri Tigers rank 217th with a defensive rating of just 105.0.
The Vanderbilt Commodores average 69.8 possessions and 1.090 points per possession in games this season. The Missouri Tigers average fewer possessions with 68.0, as well as fewer points per possession with .990.
Vanderbilt averages an effective field goal percentage of 53.3%. Missouri has not won a game this season when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage (0-7).
Vanderbilt attempts an average of 21.0 three pointers per game and Missouri attempts 17.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Vanderbilt Commodores have a 6-7 record while the Missouri Tigers are winless at 0-4.
The Vanderbilt Commodores average 5.5 blocks per game, the 19th-ranked team in the country. The Missouri Tigers rank a lowly 251st in blocking with just 2.8 per game.
Missouri ranks 293rd in offensive rebounds, while Vanderbilt ranks at 15th in defensive rebounds.
Vanderbilt has forced an average turnover percentage of 15.4% this season. Missouri has a losing 4-10 record when its TO% is 15.4% or higher.
