Vanderbilt looks to keep its early momentum going when it hosts Atlantic Sun foe Liberty on Monday night.
The Commodores are off to a 3-0 start for the first time since the 2015-16 season by picking up wins over Winthrop, USC, and Alcorn State.
Meanwhile, Liberty’s 3-0 start is its best since 1999, with the Flames most recently scoring a road victory at Kent State.
Let’s run through what to watch for in this matchup.
Game Details
- Liberty (3-0) at Vanderbilt (3-0)
- Location: Memorial Gym – Nashville, TN
- Game Date: Nov. 19
- Game Time: 8 p.m. EST
- Watch: SEC Network+
Players to Watch
Darius Garland (Vanderbilt)
Garland had just three points in the win over Alcorn State, but he’s still averaging 15.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists thus far this season.
The 6-2 freshman will be relied upon to navigate Liberty’s daunting defense in this one, and his ability to find open looks for himself and the other offensive playmakers will go a long way towards deciding the outcome of this game.
Simi Shittu (Vanderbilt)
After three games, Shittu is averaging a double-double with 17.3 points and 10.3 rebounds while playing 27.7 minutes per contest.
Vanderbilt has a significant side advantage in this matchup, and this is the type of game where Shittu’s rebounding ability on both sides of the court could play a huge role in the Commodores’ success.
Scottie James (Liberty)
Speaking of double-double guys, James is pretty much there as well in averaging 12.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.
The 6-7 junior was an All-Big South Second Team selection last season, and he’ll likely use his experience and aggressiveness to try to outwork Vanderbilt’s young frontcourt.
Key Stats
For the unaware, Ritchie McKay spent several years as an assistant under Tony Bennett at Virginia, and he’s implemented the Pack Line defense and many other aspects of that system with the Flames.
Liberty is 335th nationally in average possession length (19.6 seconds) and 342nd in adjusted tempo, so McKay’s squad is going to use its discipline to make the Commodores work on both offense and defense.
Another strength for the Flames over the past few years has been 3-point shooting, and they’ve posted a 47.4 percent mark thus far this season.
But again, if there’s something Bryce Drew’s team can take advantage of, it’s their overall size and athleticism.
The Commodores are 38th nationally in average height, which may not be ideal for a Liberty squad that ranks 331st in that category.
Game Outlook
- Spread: Vanderbilt -11.5
- Over/Under: 140.5
- KenPom Projection: Vanderbilt, 80 percent chance to win
- ESPN BPI Projection: Vanderbilt, 74.2 percent chance to win
It may be easy to dismiss Liberty’s early success due to two of the three opponents being non-Division I competition, but that would be a mistake.
The Flames came into the season with four returning starters from a 22-win team a year ago, and they showcased their defensive strengths in finishing ninth in the country in scoring defense (63.6 points per game).
On the flip side, Vanderbilt is a young team that’s still going to have some inconsistencies even with all the talent on the roster.
Those frustrating moments may be more noticeable in this particular matchup, as Liberty’s disciplined approach and challenging defensive system will undoubtedly test the Commodores’ patience in all facets.
Vanderbilt’s size advantage may prove to be the difference, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see McKay’s group pull off the upset here.
Season Prediction Record (straight up): 36-8
Game Prediction: Vanderbilt 74, Liberty 72
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