Memphis Looks to Rebound at Home Against Undefeated Vanderbilt in Intrastate Showdown
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - After a tough road loss at Louisville, Memphis gets a shot at redemption on its home floor Wednesday night - and it won’t come easy. The Tigers welcome No.
13/12 Vanderbilt to FedExForum for a 6 p.m. CT tip on ESPN2, in what marks their second consecutive matchup against a top-15 opponent.
Vanderbilt rolls into town as one of just seven unbeaten teams left in the country, and they’re not just winning - they’re dominating. The Commodores are averaging over 95 points per game, moving the ball with precision, and defending with energy. For Memphis, this one’s more than just a bounce-back opportunity - it’s a measuring stick game.
Home-Court Confidence
FedExForum has been kind to the Tigers. Memphis is 4-1 at home this season and has built a strong reputation inside the building, especially against power-conference opponents. Over the past five seasons, the Tigers are 9-1 at home against major-conference teams - a stretch that includes a gritty win over Baylor earlier this season.
Head coach Penny Hardaway has made it clear: protecting home court is a priority. And with a high-powered, undefeated in-state rival coming in, the stakes are raised even higher.
Interior Execution a Key Focus
One of the biggest takeaways from the Louisville loss? Memphis has to be better finishing around the rim - especially when facing size and length.
That’s an area where Vanderbilt can make life difficult. The Commodores come in with the nation’s top block rate (3.7%) and the second-best steal rate (5.7%), per KenPom.
They’re long, active, and disruptive - and they’ll test Memphis’ ability to convert in the paint.
Dug McDaniel: The Steady Hand
If Memphis is going to pull off the upset, senior point guard Dug McDaniel will be front and center. He’s been the engine for the Tigers all season, and he’s doing it with elite efficiency. McDaniel is one of only two players in Division I averaging at least 14.0 points and 5.5 assists per game while shooting over 90% from the free-throw line - the other is SMU’s Boopie Miller.
McDaniel leads the team in scoring and assists, but he’s far from alone. Memphis boasts one of the deepest scoring rotations in the country, with nine players averaging at least 6.0 points per game - tied for second-most nationally. That depth was on full display in the Louisville game, where Hasan Abdul Hakim led all scorers with 18 points in just his third appearance of the season.
Bradshaw Trending Up
Another name to watch? Seven-footer Aaron Bradshaw.
He’s been finding his rhythm lately, averaging 13.0 points and 5.3 rebounds over his last three games. He battled foul trouble against Louisville but still managed eight points and five boards in limited minutes.
If he can stay on the floor, his size and touch around the rim could give Memphis a much-needed interior presence against Vanderbilt’s shot-blocking front line.
Series Snapshot: Tight Battles, High Drama
This will be the 16th all-time meeting between Memphis and Vanderbilt, with the Commodores holding a slim 8-7 edge. But recent history favors the Tigers, who have won four straight in the series - including a 77-75 thriller at FedExForum last season that came down to the final possession.
Expect another tight one. Twelve of the 15 previous matchups have been decided by single digits, and with both teams bringing firepower and familiarity, this rivalry continues to deliver.
Scouting the Commodores
Vanderbilt is off to a scorching 10-0 start under second-year head coach Mark Blyington, and they’re doing it with one of the most explosive offenses in the country. The Commodores are putting up 95.4 points per game - fifth nationally - and shooting a blistering 51.6% from the field.
They’re not just scoring - they’re sharing it. Vanderbilt averages 20 assists per game, which ranks among the top 10 nationally. That ball movement has helped them shoot nearly 40% from beyond the arc, and they’ve got multiple weapons who can hurt you.
Duke Miles leads the way with 16.6 points per game, while Tyler Tanner (15.8) and Tyler Nickel (15.0) have combined to hit 55 of the team’s 111 threes at a 46.2% clip. Devin McGlockton rounds out the top scorers with 10.8 points and leads the team in rebounding at 7.0 per game.
Defensively, they’re just as active - averaging nearly 10 steals and five blocks per game. This is a group that plays fast, plays together, and knows how to finish.
Numbers to Know
- 2: Dug McDaniel is one of just two D-I players ranking top-three in his conference in assists (5.7), steals (1.9), and free throw percentage (90.9%).
- 3: Memphis is one of only three Division I teams with no returning players from last season.
- 6.0: Nine Tigers are averaging at least 6.0 points per game - tied for second-most in the nation.
- 9-1: Memphis is 9-1 at home against major-conference opponents over the last five seasons.
- 10: The Tigers have the most nonconference wins over SEC opponents (10-5) since the 2022-23 season.
- 23: Memphis has grabbed at least nine offensive rebounds in 23 straight games - the second-longest active streak in Division I.
- 50: The Tigers have had at least one 15-point scorer in 50 consecutive games.
What’s Next
After Vanderbilt, Memphis hits the road again for another SEC test - this time in Starkville against Mississippi State on Saturday. That game tips at 3 p.m.
CT on ESPN2. Then it’s a quick turnaround, with Alabama State and former Tiger Tony Madlock coming to FedExForum on Monday night.
This week offers a chance for Memphis to make a statement - and it starts Wednesday night against one of the hottest teams in the country.