Alabama basketball vs Vanderbilt: Prediction, picks, injury updates

Posted by Admin January 20, 2025 Basketball

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Right when it looked like Alabama basketball might get a break in the schedule with an opponent that didn’t fall in the Top 25, Vanderbilt changed the game over the weekend.

After the No. 5 Crimson Tide bounced back at No. 9 Kentucky on Saturday, the unranked Commodores made a statement edging out No. 6 Tennessee.

Granted, the win came on Tennessee’s tendency to foul 3-point shooters and Rick Barnes being prone to pulling out Zakai Zeigler after fouls, the scoreboard is enough of a message for Alabama hoops to steer clear of a trap game like the one the football team suffered at Vanderbilt in October.

Alabama basketball vs Vanderbilt picks, predictions

101 Alabama, 87 Vanderbilt: Expect the Commodores make the most of Alabama’s (15-3, 4-1 SEC) turnover troubles. Not to say the Vanderbilt (15-3, 3-2 SEC) doesn’t have its own, averaging 10.2 turnovers per game, but the defense is forcing opponents to an average 16.1 per game while averaging 10.2 steals. Yes, the Crimson Tide recovered its season-high 21 turnovers against Ole Miss. Alabama still turned it over 10 times going toe-to-toe with Kentucky.

With a physicality that can’t be ignored, steals and forced turnovers could be the only stat categories that the Commodores win on Tuesday.

Vanderbilt’s defense is lesser known for limiting shooters. The Commodores allow opponents to go 35.4% beyond the arc. In light of its streakiness from three-point range continuing five games into SEC play, going 5-for-20 its last time in Coleman Coliseum against Ole Miss, this bodes well for Alabama. Especially against a Vandy team that’ll look to win in the paint.

Aside from allowing sharp-shooting Kentucky to go 40%, the Tide has locked down the perimeter holding offenses to just over 29% of attempts from three on the season. Despite making 32.5% of shots from three-point range, Vanderbilt’s offense is carried by a 47.1% success rate from the floor with four double-digit shooters, highlighted by 17.1 points per game for junior guard Jason Edwards.

Injury updates for Alabama basketball vs Vanderbilt

After being listed as “questionable” the day before the game, Derrion Reid (undisclosed) was ultimately ruled out for Alabama’s win over Kentucky. Media will have an update on his status on Monday afternoon following Oats’ press conference to preview Vanderbilt. Houston Mallette (knees) and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (Achilles tendon) remain out for the Crimson Tide as well.

On the IR for Vanderbilt is Alex Hemenway (undisclosed), who has yet to see the floor this season. Keep an eye on guard Grant Huffman, too. He played 12 minutes against Tennessee after sitting out for South Carolina. Although Huffman doesn’t put up many points for the Commodores, he’s an impactful defender and his presence will be a game-changer against the Tide.

How to watch Alabama basketball vs Vanderbilt: TV channel, streaming

TV channel: SEC Network

Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo

Back in Coleman Coliseum for a 6 p.m. CT tipoff, Alabama will host Vanderbilt on Tuesday. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network, which can be streamed via ESPN+ and Fubo.

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Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.