Missouri and Vanderbilt Face Off in Key SEC Basketball Matchup

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Tigers men’s basketball team is set to host the Vanderbilt Commodores in a pivotal Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup on Saturday at Mizzou Arena. Both teams, tied for the most steals per game in the SEC with 10.5, will bring their aggressive defensive styles to the court in a game that could have significant implications for their NCAA Tournament aspirations.

Missouri (12-3 overall, 1-1 SEC) and Vanderbilt (13-2, 1-1) are known for their high-paced, turnover-forcing defenses. Vanderbilt leads the SEC in defensive turnover rate, forcing opponents into turnovers on 19.8% of their possessions, while Missouri is close behind at 19.6%. Both teams capitalize on these opportunities, with Vanderbilt averaging 23.1 points off turnovers per game and Missouri averaging 20.6.

‘It’s similar in what we do as well,’ said Missouri head coach Dennis Gates, highlighting the stylistic parallels between the two teams. The game will feature two squads that thrive on disrupting their opponents’ rhythm and converting turnovers into points.

Vanderbilt’s lineup is guard-heavy, with only three players standing 6-foot-7 or taller. Their leading scorer, Jason Edwards, a 6-1 transfer from North Texas, averages 17.1 points per game. Devin McGlockton, a 6-7 forward, adds 11.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, providing versatility and floor spacing. Gates compared McGlockton’s role to that of former Missouri standout Kobe Brown, who played a similar hybrid forward position during the 2022-2023 season.

Missouri, meanwhile, faces a strategic decision regarding its lineup. The Tigers could opt to play their 7-foot centers, Josh Gray and Peyton Marshall, to exploit a size advantage, or they could go smaller to match Vanderbilt’s speed and athleticism. Gates has experimented with smaller lineups, including one that features Anthony Robinson II, Tony Perkins, Tamar Bates, Trent Pierce, and Mark Mitchell as the de facto center. ‘I think the game will give me an idea of where we should go,’ Gates said.

The matchup is critical for both teams as they look to bolster their postseason resumes. Missouri is currently ranked 35th in the NET rankings and 41st in KenPom, while Vanderbilt sits at 38th in NET and 50th in KenPom. According to KenPom projections, this is one of only six remaining games in which Missouri is favored to win, making it a must-win for the Tigers as they aim for eight conference victories.

‘Being able to take care of home court is very important and will be important for each team trying to position itself for postseason play,’ Gates emphasized. The game tips off at 2:30 p.m. and will be televised on SEC Network.