Vanderbilt Commodores vs Tennessee Volunteers Picks and Predictions January 18th 2025

No. 6 Tennessee Faces Tough Rival Vanderbilt Challenge in High-Stakes Matchup

In a heated in-state rivalry, No. 6 Tennessee (16-1, 3-1 SEC) travels to Nashville on Saturday to face Vanderbilt (14-3, 2-2 SEC). With memories of a shocking Vanderbilt upset in February 2023 still fresh, both teams are prepared for an intense showdown.

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A Rivalry Rooted in Drama and History

When Tennessee and Vanderbilt clash, fireworks are all but guaranteed. This rivalry has seen thrilling moments, with Vanderbilt delivering a stunning 66-65 win in February 2023 to spark a 10-1 stretch that carried into the SEC tournament. That victory highlighted the Commodores’ ability to rise in big moments, especially at home.

For Vanderbilt, hosting the Volunteers represents their biggest game of the season. The Commodores will be eager to capitalize on home-court advantage and reverse their recent fortunes in the series, having lost the last two encounters.

Momentum Matters: Recent Form of Both Teams

Tennessee’s Bounce-Back Journey

The Volunteers come into the game having recovered from an uncharacteristic 73-43 loss to Florida on Jan. 7. Since then, they’ve regained momentum with a 74-70 road win at Texas and a dominant 74-56 home victory over Georgia.

However, lingering concerns about shooting efficiency could impact Tennessee’s performance. Star scorer Chaz Lanier, averaging 18.2 points per game, has struggled with an 18.6% field goal percentage over the past three games. Coach Rick Barnes remains confident in Lanier’s ability to rebound, saying, “The best of the best go through slumps. It’s not the easiest thing in the world.”

Vanderbilt’s Rising Confidence

Vanderbilt enters the game fresh off a 66-63 nail-biter against South Carolina, where Devin McGlockton’s clutch three-point play with 0.6 seconds remaining secured the win. The Commodores are showing grit and determination, with players like AJ Hoggard stepping up as leaders. Hoggard, a Michigan State transfer, has embraced the rivalry, saying, “We don’t like them, and they don’t like us.”

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Key Matchups to Watch

Frontcourt Clash: Size vs. Grit

The battle in the paint will be pivotal. Vanderbilt’s Devin McGlockton (10.9 points, 8.2 rebounds) brings physicality and hustle, but he faces a tough test against Tennessee’s towering duo of Igor Milicic Jr. (10.4 points, 8.6 rebounds) and Felix Okpara (6.9 points, 6.2 rebounds). The Volunteers’ size advantage could pose challenges for the Commodores, but McGlockton’s energy and versatility could level the playing field.

Backcourt Showdown

Tennessee point guard Zakai Zeigler is a key playmaker, averaging 12.1 points and 7.5 assists per game. His six steals against Georgia set a program record, underscoring his defensive prowess. On the other side, Vanderbilt’s AJ Hoggard has become a leader in clutch moments, and his ability to control the tempo will be crucial.

What’s at Stake?

Both teams have much to gain and lose in this contest:

• Tennessee looks to solidify its standing as a top-tier SEC team and maintain momentum for postseason seeding.
• Vanderbilt seeks to bolster its reputation as a giant-slayer and avenge past losses in the series.

With both squads featuring depth, talent, and experience, this game has all the makings of a classic.

X-Factors for the Game

1. Chaz Lanier’s Shooting: If Lanier can break out of his slump, Tennessee’s offense becomes significantly more potent.
2. Home-Court Advantage: Vanderbilt’s raucous crowd could disrupt Tennessee’s rhythm and energize the Commodores.
3. Clutch Plays: As seen in recent games, late-game heroics could once again define the outcome.

Prediction

Expect a closely contested game, with Tennessee’s depth and defensive strength giving them a slight edge. However, Vanderbilt’s resilience and home-court advantage make an upset a distinct possibility.

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Conclusion

This Tennessee-Vanderbilt clash isn’t just another SEC matchup—it’s a battle of pride, grit, and determination. With star players on both sides and emotional stakes running high, fans can anticipate an electrifying game that could come down to the wire.