I'm breathing much easier after that one. I know what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but I threw down $20 on the 'Dores covering the spread (-16), only to find out right after that both Andre Walker and John Jenkins were both not going to play. Of course, my bet was made in good faith. Others, who shall go nameless, did not share my optimism and bet against the 'Dores (prior to learning of the two scratches, though Jenkins was already known to be doubtful). Needless to say, there was much friction and consternation during the game.
Another game, another 43 free throws attempted by the Commodores. When you consider that there were fewer possessions (and as a result, fewer field goal attempts), Vanderbilt was able to better the absurd 86% free throw rate from the UT game Tuesday night. In two games, Vandy has shot 86 free throws. That is a staggering number and it is directly attributable to how powerful, aggressive and balanced this team plays on the offensive end. Great teams make more free throws than the other team attempts. And certainly the Commodores qualify in that regard.
| VU | LSU | |
|---|---|---|
| Possessions | 63 | 64 |
| Points Per Possession | 1.21 | 1.08 |
| FG% | 44.4% | 43.9% |
| 3FG% | 35.3% | 31.3% |
| FT% | 72.1% | 87.5% |
| Assist/Turnovers | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Four Factors | ||
| eFG% | 51.1% | 48.2% |
| OReb% | 38.7% | 41.4% |
| TO% | 15.8% | 17.3% |
| FTRate | 95.6% | 28.1% |
Relevant Links: Game Page /// TSN Recap /// Box Score /// Official Vanderbilt Recap /// And The Valley Shook
Plus/Minus
Plus/Minus Adjusted Per 40 Minutes
Plus/Minus award goes to A.J. Ogilvy, with a shout out to Darshawn McClellan. Well done, gentlemen.
I'm very glad to have this one out of the way. Also nice? What looked to be another kink in the schedule might actually end up really helping the Commodores: Vandy plays Thursday in its midweek SEC game instead of Wednesday (or Tuesday). It might not seem like much, but an extra day for Andre Walker and John Jenkins to recover might end up being more beneficial than having an extra day to rest and prepare for Kentucky. The Ole Miss road game is going to be tough, though I'm certain Coach Stallings will feel much better about the team's chances to pick up the win if Andre and John are closer to 100%. I know I will.
Game Stories
Stellar senior stands alone | InsideVandy
Places To Be This Week Nashville, Tenn., Saturday: Vanderbilt had its worst SEC game of the season at Kentucky. Don't expect that to occur when it hosts the Wildcats in what should be one of the best atmospheres in the SEC this season.
SEC Basketball Midseason Report -- NCAABB FanHouse
Commodores hold off pesky LSU, 77-69 | InsideVandy
Vandy/LSU Post Game | Open 'Dores
Sometimes a win's a win: Vanderbilt 77, LSU 69 | Dore Posts
Bobby's LSU Post-Game Thoughts | Vanderbilt Sports Line
Vandy holds off LSU in Nashville | VandySports.com (Rivals - Premium)
Vanderbilt holds off LSU, 77-69 | VandyMania.com (Scout)
Vanderbilt gets to foul line, avoids upset bid by visiting LSU | Nashville City Paper
Climer: Vandy hits wall; coach hits chair | The Tennessean
With his team struggling against an inferior LSU squad, Vanderbilt Coach Kevin Stallings channeled his inner Bobby Knight. And the Commodores responded.