Florida Gators basketball preview for Vanderbilt game

What to know: #19 Florida Gators basketball vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

Game Information

When: Saturday, January 20, 2017 at 12 p.m. (ET)

Where: Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center

Records: Florida (14-4), (5-1 SEC); South Carolina (8-10), (2-4)

Coaches: Mike White- 35-19 (2nd season at Florida), 136-59 (6th season overall); Bryce Drew- 8-10 (1st season at Vanderbilt), 132-59 (6th season overall)

TV: CBS

Streaming: CBS Sports App

Radio: Gator IMG Sports Network

Projected Starters

Florida Pos. Ht. Wt. Class Per Game
Devin Robinson F 6-8 200 Junior 11.2 pts / 5.4 reb
Justin Leon F 6-8 206 Senior 6.3 pts / 3.1 reb
john egbunu C 6-11 255 R-Junior 7.6 pts / 6.9 reb
Kasey hill G 6-1 175 Senior 9.6 pts / 4.7 asts
Kevaughn allen G 6-2 183 Sophomore 13.2 pts / 2.4 reb

 

vanderbilt Pos.  Ht.  Wt.  Class Per Game
luke cornet F 7-1 250 Senior 13.6 pts / 6.3 reb
jeff roberson F 6-6 224 Junior 10.4 pts / 7.3 reb
payton willis G 6-4 182 Freshman 6.7 pts / 2.5 asts
matthew fisher-davis G 6-5 185 Junior 16.3 pts / 3.3 reb
riley lachance 6-2 192 Junior 10.3 pts / 4.1 asts

 

Preview

Vanderbilt comes to Gainesville on a four-game skid. After starting SEC play 2-0, the Commodores have since suffered losses to Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia.

The Gators look to get back on track after having a seven-game winning streak and 5-0 SEC start snapped at South Carolina last time out. Florida shot just 35.2 percent (19-for-54) from the field, including an 0-for-17 night from three, and 53.6 percent (15-for-28) from the foul line in the 57-53 loss.

The Commodores bring in the SEC’s top three-point percentage (39.0 percent) and free-throw percentage (76.9 percent). Riley LaChance (.559, 38-for-68) and Matthew Fisher-Davis (.394, 50-for-127) are Vanderbilt’s biggest three-point threats.

Four of Vanderbilt’s five starters average double-digits. Fisher-Davis leads the team with 16.3 points per game. Luke Kornet (13.6), Jeff Roberson (10.4) and LaChance (10.3) are the other double-digit scorers. LaChance also leads the Commodores with 73 assists this season.

Florida not only wants redemption for a subpar performance last game, but for being swept in this series last year. It was the first time Vanderbilt swept the series since 2010. The Gators are 0-2 against the Commodores under Mike White and look to change that on Saturday.

Florida trails with a 63-67 all-time record against Vanderbilt, but still holds a 40-19 record at home in the series. Florida looks to continue its dominance at home and move to a perfect 5-0 mark in Exactech Arena.

 

Bailiegh Carlton
A lifelong sports fan, Bailiegh Carlton knew from a young age that she wanted to work in sports in some capacity. Before transferring to the University of Florida to study journalism, she played softball at Gulf Coast State College. She then interned for Gator Country for three years as she worked toward her degree. After graduation, Bailiegh decided to explore other opportunities in the world of sports, but all roads led her right back here. In her time away, she and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. When she isn't working, she can almost always be found snuggled up with sweet baby Ridley, Cody and her four fur babies.