NASHVILLE – In a thrilling midweek clash, the No. 11 Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide 96-90 at Memorial Gymnasium on March 15, 2024. This game featured two of the nation’s elite offensive teams, but the outcome surprised many as Vanderbilt extended its perfect record to 15-0.
Entering the matchup, both teams showcased impressive scoring abilities. According to kenpom.com, Vanderbilt ranked fourth in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency, just behind Alabama, which held the second spot. Both teams were among the top ten in points-per-game in Division One basketball, with Alabama averaging 94.1 points and Vanderbilt closely trailing at 93.4.
Offensive Showdown and Refereeing Challenges
Fans expected a high-scoring spectacle, but the game was punctuated by an unusual number of fouls. A total of 62 fouls were called, setting a Division One season high. Vanderbilt Head Coach Mark Byington acknowledged how this affected their strategy. “If you drove the ball, you know, you’re going to get rewarded with the foul,” he stated, emphasizing the need for his team to adapt their approach.
Alabama’s Head Coach Nate Oats found himself receiving a technical foul for his vocal frustration about officiating decisions. Byington managed to maintain his composure, despite moments of tension regarding the officiating.
Vanderbilt’s defense emerged as a key factor in the victory. Ranked thirteenth in adjusted scoring defense by kenpom.com, they proved effective against Alabama’s high-octane offense. “They play really hard, they contest, they fly around,” Oats remarked, acknowledging Vanderbilt’s defensive prowess.
Defensive Strength and Future Challenges
While Vanderbilt’s offense garnered significant attention, their defensive capabilities played a crucial role in securing the win. Byington praised his team’s performance, noting, “I thought for a while there, our defense was as good as it’s been, and that’s one of the hardest teams to stop in the country.”
Despite both teams performing close to their scoring averages, it was Vanderbilt’s defensive intensity that made the difference. The Commodores’ ability to pressure Alabama helped them maintain control throughout the game, ultimately leading to the narrow victory.
Looking ahead, Vanderbilt prepares for another tough SEC matchup against the LSU Tigers, scheduled for March 18, 2024. Byington emphasized the competitive nature of the SEC, stating, “It’s the number one-ranked conference in the country.” With an impressive record of 15-0, Vanderbilt is just one win away from tying the program record for the best start to a season, set by the 2007-08 team at 16-0.
As the Commodores aim to continue their winning streak, they remain focused on the goal of going “1-0 in every game.” The upcoming matchup against LSU promises to be another exciting opportunity for Vanderbilt to showcase its talents on the court.
