Vanderbilt basketball vs. NC State: Score prediction, scouting report

Aria Gerson, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

Vanderbilt basketball has had over a week to process its stunning loss to Grambling State.

Coming off final exams, the Commodores (5-5) are heading to the Legends of Basketball Showcase in Chicago to face NC State on Saturday (9:30 p.m. CT, CBS Sports Network). The Wolfpack (9-3) have a common opponent with Vanderbilt, as NC State lost to Pittsburgh by a score of 68-60 while the Commodores beat Pitt.

The Wolfpack are 53rd in KenPom and the NET, with wins over Dayton and Butler and losses to Kansas and Miami.

Vanderbilt is 96th in KenPom and 132nd in the NET.

Here's what to know about the matchup:

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Playing fast

NC State is one of the fastest-paced teams in the country on offense. The Wolfpack pair their tempo with good ball security and an ability to avoid blocked shots despite average height. They are above-average at shooting both from 2- and 3-point range, but NC State does not excel at getting to the free-throw line.

Defensively, Vanderbilt will provide a challenge for the Wolfpack due to its propensity for blocking shots.

Turnovers could be an issue

NC State doesn't turn the ball over much and is good at forcing turnovers on defense. The Commodores turn the ball over a lot and don't force many turnovers. That could cause a problem for Vanderbilt, especially if backup point guard Paul Lewis remains out. Lewis has not played in a month due to lingering effects of a concussion and the flu.

Jordan Wright also missed the Grambling game with a hip pointer and provides additional shooting and ball-handling. He is expected to be back Saturday.

Getting to the basket

One of NC State's biggest weaknesses defensively is allowing a relatively high rate of 2-point shots, despite a solid block percentage. Vanderbilt has struggled with its outside shooting at times this season but has players who can get to the basket in Jordan Wright, Tyrin Lawrence and Ezra Manjon and a back-to-the-basket center in Liam Robbins. It will be imperative for those players to generate good looks and finish around the basket for Vanderbilt to have a shot.

Score prediction

NC State 64, Vanderbilt 60: The Commodores play nearly every opponent close, and NC State should be no exception. But the Wolfpack's big advantage in turnovers will translate into a win here.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on Twitter @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt basketball vs. NC State: Score prediction, scouting report