The Alabam Crimson Tide play host to the Vanderbilt Commodores in an SEC showdown on Tuesday night from Coleman Coliseum. The Commodores come into this one a few games out of the bottom of the SEC standings and will have their hands full taking on one of the top teams in the country the Crimson Tide. Vanderbilt has lost two in a row, while Alabama is coming off a shocking loss in their own right, which means something will have to give in this matchup. Alabama won the first meeting between these two just a few weeks ago but after a split last season, they'll have their eyes on a sweep.
Vanderbilt has had an up-and-down season this year, even as many were expecting a strong bounce-back with some of the talent they had returning. The non-conference slate went decent but the SEC portion of the schedule has been a challenge for this group. They've lost three of their last four games and a road trip to Alabama, which includes their third road game in the last four games overall, three of those against teams perceived to be near the top of the conference. It doesn't help that the Commodores sit at 2-4 in true road games this season and with Alabama likely being their toughest road encounter of the year, this one could be a challenge. They lost at home to the Crimson Tide already this season and now with their roles reversed, they'll simply be looking to avoid a season sweep.
The Commodores have a pair of injuries, which only add to the growing concern as they hit the road in on Tuesday night. Miles Keeffe (illness) has been ruled out indefinitely, while Lee Dort (foot) will be out into next month. With the two having combined to average 2.9 points across 17 games this season, their absence will only continue to hurt the depth of this team.
A top five opponent awaits #AnchorDown https://t.co/dKJbPtUYWi
— Vanderbilt Men's Basketball (@VandyMBB) January 31, 2023
Vanderbilt has struggled at times on both sides of the ball and considering the quality of the opponent on Tuesday night, they'll need to overachieve on at least one side of things. Vanderbilt's offense has found success on the offensive glass this season and that has been Alabama's only weak spot, which could be a crucial advantage in this one. Liam Robbins (13.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg) has re-found his health and as one of the best big men in the SEC, could further make a name for himself in this one. With three other double-figure scorers, Robbins will certainly need some help from the backcourt. Even with a strong presence in the paint on the offensive end, the defensive end is where this team will need to find a way limit Alabam getting out into transition.
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