Vanderbilt - George Washington Preview

Vanderbilt (6) Vs. George Washington (11)
Thursday, 3/15 @ 5:00
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Vanderbilt -3.5

The Vanderbilt Commodores (20- 11, 10- 6 SEC) finished three games behind the SEC East’s first-place team, Florida. During the season, Vandy beat #20 Tennessee, #9 Alabama, #22 LSU and #1 Florida to get the invite to the Big Dance. The George Washington Colonials (23- 8, 11- 5 A-10) finished two out of first place behind Xavier and Massachusetts. They won their final eight games, including three contests to take the conference tournament.

Vanderbilt likes to spread the floor and hit threes. But if the ball doesn’t drop, then the Commodores are in trouble. Two swingmen, senior Derrick Byars (16.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.4 APG) and junior Shan Foster (15.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.4 APG) are essential to this clubs’ success. They’re both sound 3-point guys, while senior Dan Cage (11.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.1 APG) has the best 3-point percentage (46%).

For the Colonials, it’s up to the backcourt to make things happen. Junior shooting guard Maureece Rice (16.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.1 APG) must pump in the points and senior point guard Carl Elliot (13.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.9 APG) will be asked to set-up plays or take the ball to the hoop. Rice is a 44% three-point shooter. Elliot is also a sound defensive guy with good hands.

Vandy, which has experience in its ranks, has proven that it can beat top teams. The Colonials have to take their time and control the pace of the game as they set up their plays. If they don’t, this game can get out of hand quickly. Join Maddux Sports experts as we are releasing an expert basketball pick on this tournament game, signup for this easy college basketball winner!

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