Blazers struggled mightily | UAB vs Vanderbilt | OSB
UAB vs. Vanderbilt
The UAB Blazers will travel to Memorial Gymnasium to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores in the quarterfinal game of the NIT (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2). The Blazers will look to keep their run alive as they easily cruised past the Morehead State Eagles 77-59 in the second round. In the NIT so far UAB has won both of their games by 18+ points. They have found their stride, now winning four of their last five games. They have a tough test though against this tough Vanderbilt team. Meanwhile, the Commodores defeated the Michigan Wolverines 66-65 in the second round of the tourament. Vanderbilt has also won four of their last five games. Now, they will host an electric UAB team.
UAB Basketball
With a 27-9 record on the season and a 14-6 record in conference play, the Blazers secured the third seed in the Conference USA Tournament. UAB won their first two games against the Rice Owls and the North Texas Mean Green. In the championship game though Blazers struggled mightily against the FAU Owls losing 78-56. UAB has bounced back from that loss dominating their first two games in the NIT. In the first round they defeated the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 88-60. Then in the second round they took care of Morehead State winning 77-59. This is where it gets tough for the Blazers now because they have to travel to Vanderbilt to play infront of an SEC atmosphere. The Blazers though have been shaky on the road as they are 6-5 as the away team this season.
The Blazers have gotten production from a lot of their players this season. They have three players that are averaging double-digit points this season. Senior guard Jordan Walker has been leading Blazers this year, as he leads the team in points. Walker is averaging 22.6 points a game this season. Sophomore guard Eric Gaines is averaging 11.6 pointsand 4.6 assists (Which leads the team) a game this season. Do not forget about senior forward KJ Buffen who is averaging 10.8 points a game this season.
In their win against Morehead State in the second round, senior forward Ty Brewer had a monster game finishing with 25 points and 9 rebounds. Senior center Trey Jemison also had a monster game finishing with a double-double scoring 11 points and 16 rebounds. Walker struggled only scoring 5 points and shooting 2-12 from the floor and 1-8 from the three-point line. In the win, the Blazers shot 50.0% from the floor and 26.3% from the three-point line.
Vanderbilt Basketball
With a 22-14 record on the season and a 11-7 record in conference play, the Commodores finished sixth in the SEC Standings. In the tournament they were the sixth seed as they won their first two games against the LSU Tigers and the Kentucky Wildcats. In the semifinal game they lost to the Texas A&M Aggies 87-75. In the NIT though they have been great, defeating the Yale Bulldogs and the Michigan Wolverines. Now they will host UAB in this game. The Commodores have been great at home this season with a 14-5 record.
Vanderbilt has gotten a lot of production from their players this season. They are led by junior guard Tyrin Lawrence as he leads the team in points. Lawrence is averaging 13.2 points a game this season. Senior guard Jordan Wright has been great averaging 10.5 points and 5.0 rebounds (Which leads the team) a game this season. Senior guard Ezra Manjon has also been solid for the Commodores averaging 10.3 points and 3.8 assists (Which leads the team) a game this season.
In their win against Michigan in the second round, Lawrence led the way finishing with 24 points and 9 rebounds. He also made the game-winning layup with 10 seconds left for the Commodores. Manjon also had a huge game finishing with 17 points. In the win, Vanderbilt shot 43.1% from the floor and 26.1% from the three-point line.
UAB vs. Vanderbilt Betting Odds
Betting odds courtesy of Caesars
- Spread: PICK’EM (-110)
- Over/Under: 153.0 (-110)
- Moneyline: UAB Blazers (-110), Vanderbilt Commodores (-110)
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UAB vs. Vanderbilt Trends
– UAB is 4-6-1 ATS on the road this year.
– Vanderbilt is 8-11 ATS at home this year.
-.UAB is 7-7 ATS in NIT games.
– Vanderbilt is 10-8 ATS in NIT games.
– The Blazers are 11-12-2 ATS following a win this year.
– The Commodores are 11-10 ATS following a win this year.
UAB vs. Vanderbilt Prediction
I like the Blazers in this game. I think they have the weapons and the size to compete against Vanderilt. Also, Vanderbilt is coming off a huge victory against Michigan. I can see this as a let down spot for Vanderbilt where they come out flat. Also, Jordan Walker had one of his worst games of his career in his last game. Look for him to bounce back and have a huge game against the Commodores. I think the Blazers win 68-57 against the Commodores.
UAB vs. Vanderbilt: UAB in a PICK’EM.
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