NASHVILLE – In a thrilling encounter at Memorial Gymnasium, the No. 11 Vanderbilt Commodores secured a narrow victory over the No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide, winning 96-90 on March 15, 2024. The match showcased the high-scoring capabilities of both teams, with Vanderbilt extending its undefeated record to 15-0, while Alabama fell to 11-4.
Both teams entered the game expecting to demonstrate their offensive prowess. Vanderbilt ranked fourth in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency, just behind Alabama at second, according to data from kenpom.com. This season, the Commodores averaged 93.4 points per game (PPG), placing them tenth in Division One basketball, while Alabama boasted an impressive 94.1 PPG, ranking seventh nationally.
Intense Matchup and Officiating Challenges
The game set a Division One season high with a staggering 62 fouls called, significantly impacting the flow of play. Vanderbilt Head Coach Mark Byington noted that the constant whistle forced the Commodores to adapt their strategy. “If you drove the ball, you’re going to get rewarded with the foul,” he explained. “We had to adjust to that.”
Alabama Head Coach Nate Oats also expressed frustration with the officiating, receiving a technical foul for his complaints during the game. Both coaches understood that the heavy foul count would test their teams’ resilience and adaptability.
Defensive Strength and Offensive Execution
Despite the challenges, Vanderbilt’s defense played a crucial role in their victory. The Commodores ranked thirteenth in adjusted scoring defense, according to kenpom.com, and demonstrated their capability to contain Alabama’s high-powered offense. “Stopping Alabama was a challenge,” Byington remarked. “Our defense was tremendous at the start of the game.”
Oats acknowledged Vanderbilt’s defensive effort, stating, “They play really hard, they contest, they fly around. There’s a reason that they are as good as they are defensively.” This performance proved invaluable, allowing Vanderbilt to maintain its offensive intensity despite Alabama’s scoring threats.
The match showcased not only Vanderbilt’s offensive capabilities but also its defensive strength, emphasizing their well-rounded performance. As both teams approached their usual scoring averages, it was Vanderbilt’s strategic adjustments and defensive discipline that ultimately led to their victory.
Looking ahead, Vanderbilt is set to face the LSU Tigers in another significant SEC matchup on March 17, 2024. Byington emphasized the competitiveness of the SEC, stating, “It’s the number one-ranked conference in the country.” With their current record, the Commodores are just one victory away from matching the program record for the best start to a season, a mark set by the 2007-08 team at 16-0.
As Vanderbilt prepares for the upcoming challenge, their focus remains on continuing their successful streak, aiming to go “1-0 in every game.” The excitement surrounding the Commodores’ performance is palpable, as they strive to surpass their previous achievements and solidify their status in the SEC.
