Wednesday, Jan. 27
Men’s Basketball at Tennessee (6 p.m. CST, Knoxville, Tennessee)
The Commodores (15-3, 4-0 Southeastern Conference) look to remain undefeated in the SEC, as they travel across Route 40 and pay a visit to the Volunteers in Knoxville. Tennessee’s seven-game win streak was snapped Saturday night in Athens, as the Vols (15-3, 3-1) fell to the Georgia Bulldogs, 78-63. Vanderbilt needs to capitalize on the loss of a number of key Tennessee players this season, including senior guard Tyler Smith, junior guard Melvin Goins, sophomore center Brian Williams and sophomore guard Cameron Tatum. Wednesday’s contest will prove to be a vital steppingstone for the Commodores on the road, as they travel to Lexington next Saturday to face the formidable Kentucky Wildcats (19-0, 4-0), who boast the nation’s sole untarnished record to date.
Thursday, Jan. 28
Women’s Basketball vs. Alabama (7 p.m. CST, Nashville, Tennessee)
Vanderbilt (14-6, 3-4 SEC) looks to rebound after Sunday afternoon’s loss to Mississippi State. The Commodores are 9-2 at Memorial this season, and they will use their home-court advantage against the struggling Alabama Crimson Tide (9-11, 1-6) on Thursday night. Vanderbilt needs aggressive play and sharpshooting from senior guard Merideth Marsh, junior guard Jence Rhoads and junior forward Hannah Tuomi as they enter into the heart of conference play. Last season was a memorable one for the Commodores, one that culminated in a SEC championship title and a Sweet 16 appearance. While Vanderbilt lost key performers from last year’s squad, including Christina Wirth and Jen Risper, coach Melanie Balcomb and the current Commodores are not disheartened. A conference victory against the Crimson Tide this week could prove a vital confidence boost for a young Vanderbilt.
