Overview
- Tipoff is set for Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. CT at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, with TV coverage on ESPN2 and streaming via Fubo, Sling and ESPN+.
- Vanderbilt enters 14-0 after an SEC road win at South Carolina, while Alabama is 11-3 following a 15-point victory over Kentucky.
- Vanderbilt’s transfer-driven frontcourt upgrade, highlighted by 6-10 Jalen Washington and Mason Nicholson, has boosted rebounding and allowed Devin McGlockton to thrive at the four; he averages seven rebounds and grabbed 14 against Alabama last season.
- Alabama coach Nate Oats says the plan centers on Vanderbilt’s collective strengths rather than a single matchup, with McGlockton still "definitely a focus."
- Availability remains fluid: Commodores guard Duke Miles is working toward a return after a leg issue with his status uncertain, Frankie Collins is out with a meniscus injury, and Alabama is optimistic on Aiden Sherrill’s knee with Amari Allen expected to play.