:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66025399/1190091496.jpg.0.jpg)
|
8-4 (0-0) | January 4, 2020 |
|
The Vanderbilt Commodores look to build some momentum going into SEC play tonight as they face the SMU Mustangs to close out the nonconference schedule.
SMU, coached by former Commodore assistant Tim Jankovich, is 10-2 on the season and 1-0 in the AAC after an 82-64 win over South Florida on New Year’s Day. And yet, that record has come with no wins over teams ranked in the KenPom Top 100; the Mustangs lost 91-74 to Georgetown and 87-85 to Georgia in their two tries against decent teams. They haven’t beaten a team ranked higher than #110 Georgia State.
The Mustangs are heavy on transfers. Leading scorer, 6’8” junior Isiaha Mike (16.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg) started his career at Duquesne. 5’11” point guard Kendric Davis (15.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 7.5 apg) transferred from TCU; and 6’4” junior Tyson Jolly (15.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg) is a transfer from Baylor. 6’8” sophomore Feron Hunt (13.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg) is the fourth player averaging in double figures. 6’9” junior Ethan Chargois (7.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg) rounds out the starting five.
Vanderbilt is on a two-game winning streak, beating UNC Wilmington in its last game before Christmas and then surviving a 13:09 field goal drought to down Davidson in its last game of calendar year 2019. The Commodores are led by Aaron Nesmith, the SEC’s leading scorer at 22.9 ppg.
Anchor Down.