The Vanderbilt Commodores are currently facing the toughest schedule of any men’s college basketball team in the country.
This Saturday afternoon, as they host the Kentucky Wildcats at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, it will be their third consecutive game against a top-nine ranked team. Last weekend, they pulled off a season-defining win over in-state rival Tennessee Volunteers, 76-75, in front of a loud, sold-out crowd. Earlier this week, they traveled to face the Alabama Crimson Tide but lost 103-87.
Now, the Commodores have another chance to boost their standing with another big victory. So far, they are 4-4 against top-tier teams (Quad 1 and 2), holding their own in SEC play despite facing a much tougher schedule than during non-conference play.
To pull off another upset in front of another energetic sold-out crowd, Vanderbilt will need a team effort. Like in their game against Alabama, the Commodores will be at a height disadvantage. Their tallest player in the rotation is backup Jaylen Carey at 6-8, and starting forward Devin McGlockton is 6-7. In contrast, Kentucky has three players at 6-10 or taller: Andrew Carr, Amari Williams, and Brandon Garrison.
To keep up, especially on the boards—a problem area for Vanderbilt this season—it will take a total team effort. McGlockton has been exceptional, averaging 8.2 rebounds per game, including 3.5 offensive rebounds per game, leading the SEC. His numbers have even risen to 3.7 offensive rebounds per game during conference play. Carey has also contributed significantly, grabbing 5.6 rebounds per game despite playing only 19.7 minutes. Together, they account for 13.8 of the team’s 35.7 rebounds per game.
With McGlockton and Carey combining for 263 rebounds (156 for McGlockton and 107 for Carey), they are far ahead of the next closest player, guard Chris Manon, who has only 60. Coach Mark Byington will be counting on these two to lead the way as Vanderbilt aims for their first win over Kentucky at Memorial Gymnasium since 2016.