It’s a simple but often overlooked fact: What happens on the defensive end of the floor is often predicated by a team’s offensive efficiencies. And just as Vanderbilt has started taking care of the ball, its defensive effectiveness has grown in quantum leaps.
From Nov. 24 until Feb. 6, a span of 18 games, the Commodores gave up fewer than 67 points just once, that coming in a 76-58 win over a Rice team that’s now 3-19. But suddenly, Vandy has held its last three opponents…Georgia, South Carolina and Kentucky, to 59, 65 and 52 points, respectively.
Looking for a common denominator? VU has turned the ball over nine, 10 and six times, respectively, in those three games.
VANDERBILT 93, KENTUCKY 52: Vanderbilt’s domination of Kentucky was so complete, even coach Kevin Stallings was at a loss for words to describe it. VU led 41-11 at the half, started the second half on a 15-3 run, and handed UK its worst loss ever in Southeastern Conference play.The Commodores out rebounded UK 35-30 after getting whipped 51-27 on the boards by the Wildcats last month in Lexington, a game the ‘Cats won 79-73 in double overtime. VU shot 55.4 percent for the game and committed just two turnovers until the game’s final 4:13, when Stallings cleared the bench and played three walk-ons for much of the stretch.
Shan Foster led Vandy with 20 points, and outscored UK by himself in the game’s first 26:52. A.J. Ogilvy added 19 points and 12 rebounds.
GAME PREVIEW:
vs. Florida, Saturday, Feb. 16, 3:00 PM, on Raycom Sports
vs. Georgia, Saturday, Feb. 23
IN FOCUS: The Commodores have a golden opportunity with all these home games, but if they keep playing the way they did Tuesday night, they’ll be unstoppable.
