The Vanderbilt Commodores are set to face off against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with tip-off scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on The CW Network. The Commodores enter this matchup as favorites, boasting a line of -4.5 points and a moneyline of -205, while the total for the game is set at 158.5 points.
In making predictions for the Vanderbilt versus Wake Forest game, there is a strong sentiment that the Demon Deacons will be able to cover the spread. One of the keys for Wake Forest will be to replicate the defensive strategies employed by Memphis, who narrowly lost to Vanderbilt in their previous contest. Vanderbilt struggled against the increased defensive pressure from Memphis, registering an unexpectedly high total of 20 turnovers. This performance illustrates the effectiveness of a high-pressure defense against a team that usually thrives in a more controlled tempo.
Vanderbilt has shown its offensive prowess, currently ranking 10th in offensive efficiency. However, their recent game against Memphis saw them shooting poorly from beyond the arc, hitting just 6-for-31 from three-point range. Although this appears to be an outlier, it poses the question of whether Vanderbilt can maintain their offensive efficiency against a similarly aggressive defense from Wake Forest.
Wake Forest, meanwhile, is seeking a signature win to bolster its NCAA Tournament prospects. They have been effective in applying full-court pressure, leading to turnovers on 21% of possessions. This defensive strategy allows them to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm, an approach they will likely employ against Vanderbilt. Overall, Wake Forest ranks 43rd in defensive efficiency, with a respectable record of limiting opponents to just 28% shooting from three-point range.
On the offensive end, however, Wake Forest must improve its shooting consistency. After a disappointing outing against Longwood, where they went 5-for-24 from three, the Demon Deacons will rely heavily on the scoring abilities of Juke Harris and Myles Colvin. Harris has the potential to be a standout player, while Colvin has proven his mettle in clutch situations with two game-winning shots this season.
In terms of betting analysis, the matchup presents an opportunity for Wake Forest to capitalize on Vanderbilt’s potential fatigue coming off a challenging game. While Vanderbilt has yet to be defeated, the reality is they will encounter losses as the season progresses. Given the high stakes of this game for Wake Forest, they could very well rise to the occasion.
Ultimately, the consensus leans towards Wake Forest covering the spread, with some suggesting a small wager on their moneyline for those looking for a more significant payoff.