Dominic Fazzini
Dominic Fazzini Friday's play
15 Dime -- Vanderbilt (minus points vs. Western Kentucky)
VANDERBILT
The Commodores return all five starters from last season's 19-12 team, and have started the season 6-2, losing 67-58 to No. 19 Cincinnati in Hawaii on Nov. 23 and 79-68 at Illinois on Tuesday. They also have quality victories over Arizona, Missouri and DePaul this season, so they have been well-tested so far.
Vanderbilt is averaging 75.1 ppg, and has three players scoring at least 13 points per game. Sophomore swingman Jeffery Taylor averages 15 ppg to lead the team, while senior guard Jermaine Beal is averaging 13.4 ppg and has provided consistent outside scoring.
Where the Commodores really have the advantage, however, is with junior center A.J. Ogilvy. The 6-foot-11 Ogilvy started slowly this season after averaging 17 and 15.4 ppg, respectively, his first two seasons, but he has averaged 18 points over his last four games to push his season average up to 13.3 ppg. The Hilltoppers don't have anyone of his size or talent level to contain him in the paint.
Western Kentucky is 1-6 ATS this season, and depends greatly on senior guard A.J. Slaughter, who leads the team in scoring at 14.9 ppg. If Slaughter, who likely will be defended by the tough-nosed Beal, doesn't have a huge game, the Hilltoppers probably will get crushed.
Tonight's game is in Nashville, which greatly benefits Vanderbilt, but it is technically on a neutral court. The Commodores are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games at neutral sites and 8-3 ATS when favored on a neutral court. Vanderbilt also has beaten the Hilltoppers 10 consecutive times, dating to the 1962-63 season. Look for the beat to go on tonight. Take the Commodores to cover the points.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED------GL GUYS