Jan. 20, 2015
UPDATE ON THE DORES
RECORD: 10-8, 1-4
MOST RECENT GAME: Lost to No. 18/16 Georgia, 64-53, on Jan. 18
UPCOMING GAMES:
Jan. 22: host Arkansas, 7 p.m. (SEC Network-Plus).
Jan. 25: at Alabama, Noon (Fox Sports Net)
Jan. 29: at Mississippi State, 7 p.m. (SEC Network-Plus)
Having now completed a challenging six-game stretch in which they faced four ranked teams in the span of 16 days, the Vanderbilt women are looking to put together a big surge while playing four of their next six games on their home floor. It starts on Thursday night when the Commodores host Arkansas at 7 p.m. for the “We Back Pat” game at Memorial Gym (more details below). Vanderbilt then has two straight road games — at Alabama and at Mississippi State — before returning home for three consecutive games at Memorial Gym. The Commodores, who’ve posted a 7-2 mark at home this season, have a total of five home games (and just two road games) in the month of February. Here’s a look at what’s ahead, along with a look back at the Commodores most recent game:
HISTORY ON THEIR SIDE
When the Commodores host Arkansas on Thursday night, they will be looking to add to their history of success against the Razorbacks. Vanderbilt has won 10 of the past 11 meetings against Arkansas, including posting a 56-50 win last season in Fayetteville. Vanderbilt owns a 22-6 lead in the all-time series, and has gone 15-2 against the Razorbacks since March of 2002.
LOOKING AHEAD
Vanderbilt basketball fans have plenty to look forward to in the days ahead, as a long list of special promotions and events are planned throughout the month of February. Here’s a look at a few of the dates that VU fans will want to have circled on their calendars:
l Thursday, Jan. 22 vs. Arkansas, 7 p.m. – We Back Pat: Fans will be given purple ribbons to wear as the Vanderbilt program participates in the “We Back Pat” program named in honor of former Tennessee coach Pat Summitt. “We Back Pat” is a week-long initiative focused on bringing awareness and recognition to The Pat Summitt Foundation and the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
l Sunday, Feb. 1 vs. Florida, 3 p.m. – “Girl Scout Day”
l Thursday, Feb. 5 vs. Ole Miss, 7 p.m. – Mascot Basketball at halftime
l Sunday, Feb. 8 vs. Kentucky, noon – Pink Out: Fans are encouraged to wear pink to show support in the fight against breast cancer. The Vanderbilt players will also be incorporating pink into their color scheme.
l Sunday, Feb. 22 vs. Missouri, 1 p.m. – “Fan Appreciation Day”: Fans will receive a small gift as a token of our appreciation for their support this season.
l Thursday, Feb. 26 vs. Auburn, 8 p.m. – Supporting the YWCA: The WBB program will salute the YMCA’s programs and involvement within the community.
KIDDING AROUND
Vanderbilt’s younger fans can burn off some pregame energy at the Kids Zone for all remaining Sunday home games this season. The Kids Zone — located in the practice gym behind the main floor at Memorial Gym — features inflatables, face-painting, snow cones and more! The Zone opens 90 minutes before tipoff for each game.
GIVE AWAYS
When the starting lineups are being introduced at home games this season, the members of Vanderbilt’s starting five will each throw a T-shirt into the crowd. So be sure to make some noise when your favorite player is announced — you might just get a T-shirt from her! Vanderbilt fans can also look forward to several in-game promotions, including the T-shirt toss (thrown by cheerleaders during timeouts) and gold-shaker giveaways, along with free posters and wallet-sized schedules that are available at the marketing tables. After the game, the Vanderbilt players will throw miniature basketballs into the stands
SAY CHEESE
Vanderbilt fans can pose with — or post up against — large-sized cutouts of the Vanderbilt players at all home games this season. The 6-foot cutouts are located in the Southeast and North lobbies.
COMMODORES COME UP SHORT AT GEORGIA
After two straight hot-shooting performances, Vanderbilt was limited to 40 percent shooting from the field In a 64-53 road loss to Georgia on Thursday night. Rebekah Dalman ledthe Commodores (10-8, 1-4) with 17 points and Marqu’es Webb had 11. Dahlman finished 6-of-8 from the floor, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range. TheCommodores, who had shot better than 60 percent from the floor in their previous two games, stayed within striking distance for much of the afternoon, and trailed39-36 with 11:14 remaining in the second half. But Vanderbilt ultimately couldn’t overcome the foul problems that caused Dahlman and Webb to sitout for lengthy stretches in the second half.