WHERE TO WATCH
Kickoff – 7:30 PM CST, February 18, 2023
Watch – SEC Network
Listen – Auburn Website
Gamecast – ESPN
Coming off an extraordinary victory over Missouri, Auburn is traveling to Nashville, Tennessee to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores. One of the oddest home locations in the SEC, not only does the area around the arena look odd but they also have gymnasium in the title. Regardless of how silly it is the Commodores have had success at home lately, even upsetting Tennessee. Vanderbilt has been to the NCAA Tournament 15 times with 1 Elite Eight appearance being the farthest they have gone. Led by 3rd year head coach Jerry Stackhouse the Commodores are looking to be more than bottom tier SEC material.
SERIES HISTORY
Another matchup where old Auburn really hurt the win-loss record. Vanderbilt leads the series 88-53 even with coach Bruce Pearl winning 5 straight. One of Auburns biggest losing streaks comes against the Commodores, losing 13 straight between 2006-2016.
WHAT TO WATCH
One thing to watch and get out of the way is how well Johni Broome will play. Broome is expected to play but is dealing with an ankle injury he suffered during the Missouri game on the landing from a dunk. How close he is to full strength is a big question so maybe expect Dylan Cardwell to receive extra minutes.
Auburn dismantled Missouri, but was this a one time thing or did they figure out how they want to play? You saw the full potential of this team on display last game but how long can they sustain playing that efficiently? They were +22 in rebounds and shot above average, and that was without Green scoring many points. This team puts in the effort and if KD Johnson can continue to be a factor in the game, it changes this team’s dynamic.
Vanderbilt has also been fairly hot lately, winning their last 4. Making 10 three-pointers last game versus South Carolina. This is an offensive team that will be challenged by Auburn’s stout defense. This is a recurring statement that comes up for Auburn a lot, but their offense relies on their defense giving them more chances.
PREDICTION
This is a game between two teams who are hot but I think Auburn has been consistently better for more of the season. Vanderbilt will have the home advantage which will make it tough. Give me Auburn covering barely in a close game.
Auburn 73, Vanderbilt 69
