#10 Vanderbilt vs #7 St. Mary’s NCAAB Pick: A Marquee 7-10 First-Round Battle (Mar 21)

• Vanderbilt fell to Kentucky 82-78 in the SEC Tournament semifinals.
• Saint Mary’s was defeated by Gonzaga 77-68 in the WCC title game.
• The last meeting between these teams was on Nov. 23, 2022, St. Mary’s won 75-65.

The #10 seed Vanderbilt Commodores (20-12) are set to face the #7 seed Saint Mary’s Gaels (28-5) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and this matchup promises to be an intriguing battle of contrasting styles.

Commodores Are Ready For The Madness

Vanderbilt enters the tournament with a 20-12 overall record, having shown resilience and offensive prowess throughout the season. The Commodores average 79.6 points per game, ranking 46th nationally, and have demonstrated strong perimeter shooting, averaging 8.1 three-pointers made per game. Defensively, they allow 74.8 points per game, which ranks 264th nationally, indicating potential vulnerabilities on that end of the floor.

Key players include junior guard Jason Edwards, who leads the team in scoring, and forward Tyler Nickel, known for his versatility and defensive capabilities. For Vanderbilt to succeed, they will need to capitalize on their offensive strengths and improve their defensive consistency.

Gaels Have Been Charging Forward

Saint Mary’s boasts a 28-5 record, reflecting a dominant season in the WCC. The Gaels are renowned for their defensive tenacity, allowing just 60.7 points per game, ranking 5th nationally. Offensively, they average 73.5 points per game and excel in ball control, committing only 9.2 turnovers per game, which ranks 15th nationally.

Key contributors include forward Paulius Murauskas, who anchors the defense and leads in rebounding and guard Augustas Marciulionis, who provides offensive spark and perimeter defense. To secure a victory, Saint Mary’s will aim to dictate the game’s tempo, leveraging their defensive strengths and efficient offense.

Vanderbilt Commodores vs St. Mary’s Gaels Pick

Saint Mary’s enters the game as a 4.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 136.5 points. The Gaels’ defensive prowess and experience make them a formidable opponent. However, Vanderbilt’s high-scoring offense and ability to shoot from beyond the arc could challenge Saint Mary’s defense. This matchup is expected to be closely contested, with the outcome likely hinging on which team can impose its style of play.