Alabama Basketball and Vanderbilt have an important game on Wednesday night in Nashville. Or, as the South's fastest-growing city is sometimes called, NashVegas. The nickname is nothing like StarkVegas, which makes fun of how dull Starkville, MS, is. Nashville is a sizzling sports and entertainment city, and though not the equal of Las Vegas in entertainment options, there is always plenty to do in Nashville.
Built in 1952, the Memorial Gymnasium on Vanderbilt's campus is an old venue not known for fun. The Commodores, however, have suddenly become one of the most fun teams in college basketball. Vandy is 14-0, and though the schedule has lacked much challenge, the style of basketball thrills Vanderbilt fans.
The Dores are ranked higher than Alabama going into Wednesday night. The Dores are also No. 10 nationally, averaging 93.4 points per game, compared to the Crimson Tide at No. 7 and 94.1 points. In Offensive Efficiency, Ken Pomeroy has Alabama No. 2 and Vanderbilt No. 6. In Defensive Efficiency, KPom has the Commodores at No. 14 and the Crimson Tide at No. 70.
Consistently, last season, Kevin Pauga's KPI ranking had Alabama in college basketball's top five teams. Currently, the KPI Rankings have Alabama at No. 14, and Vanderbilt is ranked No. 2. In Evan Miya's Offensive Player Ratings, Aden Holloway is No. 4 nationally, and Labaron Philon is No. 10. Vandy's Tyler Tanner is No. 13, and Tyler Nickel is No. 18.
Alabama has two of the SEC's top 23 scorers: Labaron Philon is No. 2 with a 21.5 point average; Aden Holloway is No. 4 at 18.4 points. The Commodores have three players in the top 23: Duke Miles is No. 9 at 17.1, Tyler Tanner is No. 12 at 16.2, and Tyler Nickel is No. 3 at 14.9 points. Vandy is No. 2 among SEC in making threes at 37.9%, and Alabama is No. 5 at 36.1%.
All that firepower should mean a high scoring contest on Wednesday night. Betting markets have Vandy favored by a much as five points.
Alabama has a statistical advantage in rebounding, but that may not apply if Aden Sherrell is unable to play. Nate Oats says that Sherrell will be a game-time decision. Duke Miles has missed Vandy's last two games, but is expected to be available against the Crimson Tide. He may not be 100%.
The winner will have bragging rights about being the SEC's best team.
Note: Player stats provided by ESPN