NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL | NO. 24 VANDERBILT
NCAA · FINAL
Wake Forest51
No. 24 Vanderbilt74
No. 24 Vanderbilt controlled the game against Wake Forest without delivering a particularly efficient shooting performance. The Commodores shot just 39% from the floor, but their advantage on the glass, defensive activity and ability to create additional possessions proved decisive.
Tyler Tanner led Vanderbilt with 17 points and 10 rebounds, providing a double-double. Ace Glass contributed 16 points, including four three-pointers, while Chandler Bing scored 13 on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting performance.
Wake Forest's Kevair Kennedy scored a game-high 20 points, but the Demon Deacons struggled to generate consistent offense.
S³ Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Wake Forest | #24 Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| FG% | 35% | 39% |
| 3PT% | 23% | 37% |
| Rebounds | 33 | 48 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 17 |
| Assists | 8 | 14 |
| Steals | 1 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 7 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 11 |
| Paint points | 26 | 30 |
S³ Analysis
The biggest difference was Vanderbilt's 17 offensive rebounds. That advantage gave the Commodores opportunities to overcome their mediocre overall shooting.
Defensively, Vanderbilt forced Wake Forest into a difficult night, holding the Demon Deacons to 35% shooting and just 23% from three-point range.
There is still an area of concern for Vanderbilt. Shooting 39% while attempting 72 field goals isn't the kind of offensive efficiency that will consistently beat stronger competition. The Commodores cannot expect a 15-rebound advantage every night.
S³ Final Assessment
Vanderbilt demonstrated physicality, depth and defensive discipline. Its rebounding was impressive, but offensive efficiency will be the bigger test as the competition improves.
The No. 24 Commodores looked like the better team. The question going forward is whether they can become a more efficient one.
