Here’s an expanded and more detailed preview of the Vanderbilt Commodores versus Saint Mary’s Gaels NCAA Tournament matchup, formatted in Markdown:

March Madness Preview: Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels

The opening round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament presents a compelling clash between the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Saint Mary’s Gaels. Tenth-seeded Vanderbilt (20-12) will face the seventh-seeded Saint Mary’s (28-5) on Friday at Rocket Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 3:15 p.m. ET. National television coverage will be provided by truTV, allowing fans across the country to witness this potentially exciting contest.

Recent Form and Momentum:

Both teams enter the tournament off the heels of losses in their respective conference tournaments. Saint Mary’s, coming out of the West Coast Conference, suffered a 58-51 defeat at the hands of Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament final on Tuesday. The Gaels, known for their disciplined play and defensive prowess, struggled offensively against the Bulldogs, a team that has traditionally been a thorn in their side. While a loss is never ideal heading into the NCAA Tournament, Saint Mary’s will look to quickly put that game behind them and refocus on their strengths.

Vanderbilt’s most recent game also resulted in a loss, a 79-72 setback against Texas in the SEC Tournament on Wednesday. Despite a strong offensive showing, particularly from Jason Edwards, the Commodores were unable to contain the Longhorns’ offense and ultimately fell short. Vanderbilt’s journey to the tournament has been characterized by some high highs and low lows. Their ability to compete with some of the SEC’s top teams, like Kentucky and Tennessee, showcases their potential, but consistency has been an issue.

Key Players to Watch:

For Saint Mary’s, Mitchell Saxen is a pivotal player. In their loss to Gonzaga, Saxen led the Gaels with 20 points. His inside presence, scoring ability, and rebounding are essential to Saint Mary’s success. He is a difficult matchup for most teams due to his size and skill. He also provides important leadership.

Vanderbilt relies heavily on the offensive contributions of Jason Edwards. Edwards’ 20-point performance against Texas demonstrated his scoring ability, but the Commodores will need more than just Edwards to advance in the tournament. The Commodores will need contributions from Tyrin Lawrence and Ven-Allen Lubin as well to have a chance at pulling off the upset. Lawrence has the ability to be a game-changer on both ends of the court, while Lubin’s size and athleticism make him a valuable asset in the frontcourt.

Offensive and Defensive Styles:

Saint Mary’s is known for their methodical and efficient offensive approach. They prioritize ball security, patience, and finding high-percentage shots. They aren’t a team that looks to force the issue. Instead, they wear teams down with their deliberate pace and effective screening. Their offensive efficiency is one of the best in the nation, and that is a big reason why they are a tough team to beat.

Defensively, the Gaels are equally disciplined. They excel at limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities, contesting shots, and controlling the boards. Their defense is designed to force opponents into difficult shots and turnovers. Saint Mary’s prides itself on making teams work for every point, frustrating their rhythm and overall game plan.

Vanderbilt, conversely, tends to play at a faster pace. They rely on their athleticism and perimeter shooting to generate offense. They are a team that can get hot from beyond the arc and put up points in a hurry. The issue is that they can also become overly reliant on the three-point shot and go through extended scoring droughts if those shots aren’t falling.

Defensively, Vanderbilt has struggled at times this season. They are prone to giving up easy baskets and allowing opponents to control the paint. They will need to be much more disciplined and focused on the defensive end if they hope to contain Saint Mary’s.

Statistical Trends and Insights:

Saint Mary’s has averaged 68.7 points per game over their last 10 contests, slightly below their season average of 73.5 points. This dip in offensive production could be a cause for concern for the Gaels, suggesting that they may be experiencing some offensive struggles.

Vanderbilt has averaged 76.8 points per game over their last 10 games, also below their season average of 79.6 points. The Commodores also have been experiencing some offensive struggles lately. Their offensive output has declined slightly as the season has progressed.

These trends suggest that both teams may be experiencing some offensive fatigue heading into the tournament. Or it could mean their opponents have figured them out late in the season and have adjusted accordingly. Whichever team can rediscover their offensive rhythm will have a significant advantage in this matchup.

Keys to Victory:

For Saint Mary’s, controlling the tempo of the game is crucial. They need to dictate the pace and prevent Vanderbilt from getting into a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. Solid defense, rebounding, and efficient offensive execution will be key for the Gaels. They also need to take care of the basketball and limit turnovers, as Vanderbilt is a team that can capitalize on mistakes.

For Vanderbilt, they need to find a way to score efficiently against Saint Mary’s tough defense. Jason Edwards will likely need to have another big game, but they will also need contributions from other players. On defense, the Commodores must limit Saint Mary’s easy looks, protect the paint, and force them into difficult shots. Rebounding will also be crucial.

Prediction:

This game is a classic matchup of contrasting styles. Saint Mary’s disciplined and methodical approach will be tested by Vanderbilt’s athleticism and scoring ability. While Vanderbilt has the potential to pull off an upset, Saint Mary’s experience, defensive prowess, and overall consistency make them the slight favorite. This game is likely to be close and low-scoring, with Saint Mary’s ultimately prevailing in a hard-fought battle.

Final Score Prediction: Saint Mary’s 68, Vanderbilt 62