The No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores will host the No. 18 Kentucky Wildcats this season in what is touted to be a critical late-season rematch at Memorial Gymnasium. The Commodores have a perfect 14-0 home record and are looking to rebound from a recent road loss to Georgia. On the other hand, Kentucky has won two straight games and would be looking to keep their winning streak going. So how will this matchup pan out? Let’s find out.
Prediction
This matchup between Vanderbilt and Kentucky will be an interesting one as it features a fascinating divide between the Commodores’ offensive flow and the Wildcats’ stifling interior defense. Vanderbilt is ranked 4th most efficient offense nationally, led by star guard Mikayla Blakes. In the Wildcats’ first meeting against Kentucky this season, Blakes absolutely torched the Wildcats, dropping 37 points.
Given the Commodores’ rapid offense, the Wildcats is going to prioritize double-teaming Blakes this time and forcing secondary options like Aubrey Galvan to beat them. On the defensive end, the Wildcats are a wall in the paint, ranking second nationally in block rate. If Clara Strack and Teonni Key are able to control the glass, deterring Vanderbilt’s drives, they can perhaps force them into a slow, half-court grind that benefits Kentucky’s size.
Given Vanderbilt’s current home record, it’s understandably so that the Commodores’ home-court advantage is one of the toughest in the country. They score over 64% of their buckets over assists, making it difficult for opponent teams to defend for a full 40 minutes. Kentucky might keep it close by dominating the boards, however, Vanderbilt’s depth and perimeter could eventually develop cracks in the Wildcats’ zone.
ESPN’s matchup predictor estimates a 60.9%chance for Vanderbilt to win this matchup.
Lineups
Vanderbilt Lineup
- Sacha Washington
- Mikayla Blakes
- Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda
- Aubrey Galvan
- Justine Pissott
Kentucky Lineup
- Teonni Key
- Amelia Hassett
- Clara Strack
- Asia Boone
- Tonie Morgan
Injuries
For the Commodores, guard Madison Greene remains out for the season as a result of an injury that she suffered in practice. On the other hand, guard Dominika Paurova will remain out for this season for Kentucky after suffering from an ACL tear last season.
Also Read:
Ta’Niya Latson Injury Update: What Happened to South Carolina Star?
Why Has Ta’Niya Latson Missed Games For South Carolina? Latest Update Following Texas A&M Game
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