Memorial Magic is a real thing — Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball is ranked in the AP Poll for the first time since the 2013-14 season. The squad’s talent will be tested further on Jan. 30, when it travels down to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators.
Riding a win streak of three games, and with huge conference wins over Tennessee and Alabama under its belt, Vanderbilt is looking to tackle yet another SEC rival.
By the numbers
Vanderbilt seems to exceed Florida in most statistical categories, especially scoring. The Commodores average 85.8 points per game, whereas the Gators rack up an average of 76.6 points per contest — a significant point differential for the Black and Gold.
The ‘Dores also have an advantage when it comes to individual scoring. Sophomore Khamil Pierre leads the team with 21.7 points per game, followed by first-year superstar Mikayla Blakes, who contributes 21. For the Gators, first-year Liv McGill contributes 15.9 points per game, with senior Ra Shaya Kyle not far behind, averaging 14.8.
All of this being said, it is crucial to remember that Florida has been dangerous in the past. In fact, this is a bit of a grudge match for head coach Shea Ralph’s squad. Last season, the Gators beat Vanderbilt 62-59 in the SEC Tournament. This left a bitter taste in the mouths of Vanderbilt players and staff, and they’ll hope to walk into Gator territory and escape with a solid SEC win.
Capitalizing on turnovers
If the Commodores want to secure their fifth SEC win of the season, they must take advantage of Florida’s ball-handling challenges. Maintaining possession of the ball has been a serious problem for the Gators all year. In its last game, a Jan. 26 matchup against Auburn, Florida committed 24 turnovers en route to its third consecutive defeat.
McGill, who has been one of the Gators’ best players this season, has struggled with ball security and averages 4.1 turnovers per game. Laila Reynolds and Jeriah Warren haven’t fared much better, averaging 3.5 and 2.0 giveaways per game, respectively. All nine Gators who contribute more than 10 minutes average over one turnover per game. Their 17.1 turnovers per game rank third-to-last in the SEC.
This weakness may pose an issue for Florida, as Vanderbilt’s defense has looked strong all year. Blakes’ defense is notable, as she averages 2.4 steals per game, one of the highest marks in the NCAA. As a whole, Vanderbilt’s squad forces 22.3 turnovers per game, which ranks fourth in the conference.
Home-court advantage
Home-court advantage is definitely real for Florida. This season, the Gators sit at 11-10 overall but boast a 9-3 record at home. They’re 0-3 at neutral sites and 2-4 on the road. The Gators have yet to claim a signature win this season and will have a chance to change that by looking toward the Commodores.
The Commodores are looking to make themselves comfortable in Gator territory. Vanderbilt is 17-4 overall, 1-1 in neutral territory, 12-1 at home and 4-2 away. Ralph’s squad has not struggled as much on the road as Florida has, but any road game in the SEC presents a challenge. Vanderbilt’s only two road losses came four days apart: on Jan. 9 against Ole Miss and on Jan. 13 against then-No. 5 LSU.
Vanderbilt will have a chance to improve its No. 23 ranking and extend its winning streak to four, as Florida hopes to snap its three-game losing streak. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST on Jan. 30 in the Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center and will be streamed on SEC Network+.