Vanderbilt Commodores vs The Citadel Bulldogs Picks and Predictions December 18th 2024

Vanderbilt Looks to Keep Momentum at Home

The Vanderbilt Commodores (9-1) are back in Nashville, riding a three-game winning streak, as they prepare to host The Citadel Bulldogs (5-5) on Wednesday evening. With a strong start to their season, the Commodores are eyeing a 10th win to surpass last season’s total while setting the stage for their challenging Southeastern Conference schedule.

This will mark Vanderbilt’s first home game since an 87-56 victory over Tennessee Tech on Nov. 29, and the first of three straight at Memorial Gymnasium before opening SEC play at LSU on Jan. 4.

Jason Edwards Leads Vanderbilt’s Offense

The Commodores have leaned heavily on guard Jason Edwards, who has emerged as their offensive catalyst. Over the last four games, Edwards has averaged 24.5 points per game, including a standout 30-point performance in Vanderbilt’s 83-74 road win over TCU on Dec. 8.

Edwards is supported by a trio of capable guards:

• AJ Hoggard: A steady contributor with 10.1 points and 3.8 assists per game.
• Grant Huffman: Known for his defensive prowess, averaging 1.7 steals per game.
• Tyler Tanner: A freshman sensation with 7.2 points per game and an impressive 20 assists without a turnover in 213 minutes of play.

Defense has been a cornerstone of Vanderbilt’s success, with the team ranking eighth nationally in steal percentage according to KenPom.com. The Commodores’ ability to force turnovers and convert them into transition points has been pivotal in their recent victories.

The Citadel Seeks Upset on the Road

The Bulldogs, coached by former Vanderbilt assistant Ed Conroy, are looking to snap a two-game losing streak as they continue a tough stretch of road games.

Guard Brody Fox leads The Citadel with 17.6 points per game, but his scoring has dipped in recent outings, with just seven and eight points in the Bulldogs’ last two losses. The team will need a strong performance from Fox to have any hope of pulling off an upset.

The Bulldogs’ best chance lies in their 3-point shooting. In their 73-71 loss to Central Arkansas on Monday, they connected on 16 shots from beyond the arc, showcasing their potential to catch fire from long range.

Conroy emphasized the Bulldogs’ disciplined approach: “We’re not going to beat ourselves. You’re going to have to beat The Citadel.”

Keys to the Game

For Vanderbilt

1. Maintain Defensive Pressure: Force turnovers and capitalize on transition opportunities.
2. Jason Edwards’ Leadership: Continue to ride Edwards’ hot hand offensively.
3. Limit Citadel’s 3-Point Shooting: Close out on shooters and control the perimeter.

For The Citadel

1. Hit from Distance: Replicate the 3-point success from their previous game.
2. Slow the Tempo: Dictate pace and avoid turnovers against Vanderbilt’s aggressive defense.
3. Brody Fox’s Performance: Fox must step up offensively to give the Bulldogs a fighting chance.

Check out the latest John Wooden Award Odds & Predictions for detailed analysis and updates.

Series History and Outlook

Vanderbilt leads the all-time series 5-0, with the teams last meeting in 1978. Given the Commodores’ strong form and The Citadel’s struggles against Division I opponents, Vanderbilt is heavily favored to continue its winning ways.

Prediction: Vanderbilt 84, The Citadel 65. The Commodores’ defense and offensive firepower should prove too much for the visiting Bulldogs.