Oklahoma Sooners vs Vanderbilt Commodores Picks and Predictions February 1st 2025

Vanderbilt Enters as a Ranked Team for the First Time Since 2015

Vanderbilt (16-4, 4-3 SEC) is officially back in the national spotlight, cracking the AP Top 25 for the first time in nearly a decade. The Commodores will put their ranking to the test when they visit Oklahoma (15-5, 2-5 SEC) in a key conference clash on Saturday.

Vanderbilt has been battle-tested, with two wins over top-10 teams in eight days (Tennessee and Kentucky). Coach Mark Byington’s squad thrives on forcing turnovers and capitalizing in transition, making them a tough matchup for any opponent.

“Momentum was huge,” Byington said after the Kentucky win. “To be able to stop their run and figure out a way (to win), it shows a lot of character.”

Oklahoma Looking for Stability in Conference Play

While Oklahoma started the season strong, Big 12 play has exposed some inconsistencies. The Sooners have lost five of their last seven games, including a 75-68 setback against No. 13 Texas A&M on Tuesday.

Coach Porter Moser is searching for more balanced scoring after a game where only two players—Brycen Goodine (24 points) and Jalon Moore (22 points)—scored more than five.

“We needed some more scoring contributions from some guys,” Moser admitted.

The Sooners will need a bounce-back game from Jeremiah Fears (15.9 PPG), a projected NBA draft pick who was held scoreless against Texas A&M due to foul trouble.

Key Matchups to Watch

Jason Edwards vs. Oklahoma’s Perimeter Defense

• Edwards (17.3 PPG) has been Vanderbilt’s most dynamic scorer, equally dangerous driving to the rim or pulling up from deep (39.2% 3PT).
• Oklahoma ranks 177th in turnover percentage and will need to contain him without allowing easy fast-break points.

Vanderbilt’s Defense vs. Oklahoma’s Shooting

• Vanderbilt forces turnovers on 22.4% of possessions, ranking 14th in the country in that category.
• Oklahoma ranks 40th in 3-point percentage (37.2%) and 30th in 2-point percentage (56.6%).
• The game could come down to whether the Sooners protect the ball and knock down their shots under pressure.

AJ Hoggard’s Playmaking vs. Oklahoma’s Defense

• Hoggard has been a steadying presence for Vanderbilt, averaging 10.8 points and 4.7 assists per game.
• His ability to control the tempo will be crucial if the Commodores want to avoid an upset on the road.

Prediction: Can Vanderbilt Stay Hot?

Oklahoma is a dangerous offensive team when their shots are falling, but turnovers and defensive lapses have cost them in SEC play. Vanderbilt’s defense-first approach should travel well, and their veteran leadership gives them the edge in a tight game.

Final Score Prediction

Vanderbilt 74, Oklahoma 70

The Commodores force key turnovers late and grind out another SEC road win, keeping their momentum rolling as they continue their climb in the national rankings.

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Final Thoughts

• Can Oklahoma’s offense overcome Vanderbilt’s pressure defense?
• Will Jeremiah Fears bounce back after a tough game?
• Can Vanderbilt handle the pressure of being a ranked team for the first time in nearly a decade?

This SEC battle is a must-watch game with NCAA Tournament implications. A win for Vanderbilt solidifies its ranking, while Oklahoma desperately needs a statement victory to stay in the postseason mix.