Drake Bulldogs vs
Vanderbilt CommodoresPredictions & Preview

Drake Bulldogs to Face Vanderbilt Commodores in Undefeated Championship Game showdown

Today is the final day of the Charleston Classic, with the Championship game featuring the undefeated Drake Bulldogs against the undefeated Vanderbilt Commodores. Both teams have impressive records, with Drake at 5-0 and Vanderbilt at 6-0, and both being led by new head coaches. The Bulldogs have been marked as underdogs in their previous games, but have managed to come out on top. The Commodores are the betting favorites for this game, opening at -4 and the line has remained steady. Tip-off is at 6:30 EST at TD Arena on Sunday, November 24. Stay tuned for a breakdown of both teams and a prediction for the winner.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Bulldogs +136 | Commodores -164
• Spread: Bulldogs +4 (-110) | Commodores -4 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 144 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Vanderbilt will win straight-up is 62%.

Drake vs Vanderbilt Stats

Drake Bulldogs

The Drake Bulldogs have had a strong start to the season, showcasing impressive chemistry and culture under coach Ben McCollum. Despite being marked as underdogs, the team secured victories against Miami and Florida Atlantic, with guard Bennett Stirtz emerging as a leader with standout performances. The team's efficient offense, led by players brought by Coach McCollum from NW Missouri State, has been a key factor in their success, with strong shooting percentages and a rising 3-point success rate. Defensively, the Bulldogs have also been stellar, limiting opponents to low scoring averages. In terms of statistics, Drake ranks highly in defense and offense, with notable averages in shooting percentages, assists, turnovers, and rebounds. The team's impressive record of 5-0 (3-1 ATS) adds to their strong performance this season.

Vanderbilt Commodores Analysis

The Vanderbilt Commodores have advanced to the championship game after defeating both Nevada and Seton Hall. In their latest victory over Seton Hall, Vanderbilt demonstrated impressive offensive prowess with three players reaching double figures, led by junior guard Tyler Nickel who scored 24 points. The team shot 52% from the field and 37% from distance, committing only 11 turnovers. Overall, the Commodores have a 6-0 record under Coach Mark Byington and continue to impress with their offensive capabilities. They currently have a power ranking of 42 and rank 36th in offense, averaging 87.80 points per game. Defensively, Vanderbilt allows an average of 72.00 points per game and has a record of 4-2 ATS. The team has shown strength on the glass, averaging 41.5 rebounds per game and utilizing their size advantage effectively. Despite their fast-paced style of play, the Commodores have been able to create points off of turnovers and showcase a strong offensive performance. Their upcoming matchup against Drake will provide another opportunity to demonstrate their skills on the court.

Drake vs. Vanderbilt: Championship Showdown Between Rising Programs

The championship game in Charleston between Drake and Vanderbilt presents an intriguing match-up between two rising programs. Vanderbilt, known for their fast-paced style of play, will face a defensively improved Drake team that excels at slowing down opponents and exploiting defensive weaknesses. With Vanderbilt allowing a 43.4% shooting percentage from the field and 38% from beyond the arc, Drake's efficient offense, shooting 39% from three-point range and scoring 108 points per 100 possessions, gives them an advantage in this game. Drake's experienced players, many of whom have previous experience under Coach Ben McCollum, will bring valuable leadership to the court. Despite Vanderbilt being favored, Drake, as the underdog, has a strong chance to cover the spread with +3 points.

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