Vanderbilt vs Tennessee: Road Win Stakes

0:00On March 5, Vanderbilt basketball heads into its final, regular season game, with a matchup against rival Tennessee on March 7. The number 22 ranked Commodore sit at 23 wins and seven losses overall, 10 and 7 in the SEC. They lost the first meeting 69-65 at home, back on February 21st. Both team share identical conference records at 10 and 7, with the number 25 volunteers also at 23 and 7. The game tips offered 1 p.m. central, time at Thompson Bowling Arena on ESPN. Vanderbilt has dropped three of its last five contests, but picked up an overtime win at Ole Miss recently. A victory here will provide solid momentum heading into the postseason. For seating in the SEC tournament, the stakes could not be higher in a tight middle pack. A win might push Vanderbilt toward a number 4 seed and a double buy, though other results matter too. Without it, they risk slipping to as low as the number 9 spot, forcing a first round game on March 11.

1:02Beyond seating, this road win would strengthen Vanderbilt's NCAA tournament resume, adding a marquee victory against a top 20 net team and addressing their road struggles. The rivalry adds extra fire too. Vanderbilt has not won a Knoxville since 2017, and the series has been split lately. Tennessee presents a tough stylistic challenge, dominating offensive rebounds and free throws where Vanderbilt falters. Beating that profile on the road could prove huge for March Madness Prep as the Commodores locking in their tournament spot.