Vanderbilt travels to Columbia, South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks. South Carolina had the unenviable opportunity to open with Kentucky last weekend. They hung in there for a while, but the Wildcats eventually handled them as expected. The Gamecocks have given Vanderbilt fits in recent seasons, so this will be another opportunity for the Commodores to choose their own adventure. Continue to page 2.
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Click through the jump for a breakdown of the team's opponents thus far and a closer look at their personnel.
Schedule Breakdown
To date, Vanderbilt has played 15 total games, 10 at home, 2 on neutral courts, and 3 on the road against an average KenPom rated opponent of 136.5. South Carolina has played 15 total games, 10 at home, 2 on neutral courts, and 3 on the road, against an average rated D-I opponent of 174.3. Based on their performances to date, Kenpom rates Vanderbilt to be the fourth most efficient offensive and sixth most efficient defensive team that the Gamecocks will have played. South Carolina rates as the sixth most efficient offensive team and the eleventh most efficient defensive team that the Commodores will have played. Keep in mind that these numbers do not account for players that have missed games, whether due to injury, suspension or, in the case of Bruce Ellington, college football.
Based on previous opponents, South Carolina most closely resembles Bucknell. Vanderbilt doesn't really resemble anyone on South Carolina's schedule, as there appears to be a large void between the Ohio States, North Carolinas and Kentuckys compared to the Mississippi Valley States, Woffords, and South Carolina States. Thankfully, Vanderbilt seems much closer to the former group than the latter. Perhaps by the next go around, the Dores will fit in with that elite group.
Statistical Breakdown
Looking solely at the tempo free statistics, Vanderbilt has a clear edge at the starting positions. South Carolina has the edge at the bench. Keep in mind that these statistics are not adjusted for the strength of the opponents and the location of games.
Four Factors: Vanderbilt is better at shooting, defensive rebounding and getting to the foul line. South Carolina has statistical edges in turnover percentage and offensive rebounding. Prediction: Vanderbilt wins eFG%, FTRate and OReb%.
Ken Pomeroy predicts a 66-63 Vanderbilt win in a game with a tempo of 63. He rates Vanderbilt's win percentage at 62%.
Traditional Statistics -- South Carolina Gamecocks
Tipoff is scheduled for 2000 CT and the game will be available on ESPN2 and ESPN3.com ESPNU. Our open gamethread will go live two hours before tipoff. Also, don't forget to head over to Stat-King to submit your predictions for the game.