Albany at Vanderbilt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The undefeated Vanderbilt women’s basketball team puts its perfect record on the line Thursday when it hosts a surging Albany squad at Memorial Gymnasium.
The Commodores (10-0), one of the nation’s remaining unbeaten teams, have dominated their schedule, winning by an average margin of 28.2 points. Their most recent victory was an 87-58 rout of South Florida on Monday, powered by 19 points from guard Mikayla Blakes and 16 from forward Sacha Washington. Versatile guard Justine Pissott has been a consistent catalyst, averaging 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists over her last seven games.
They face an Albany team riding high on a seven-game winning streak. The Great Danes (9-2) have not lost since mid-November, with their latest win a 62-46 defeat of Boston University on Saturday. Guard Delanie Hill has been instrumental in the run, averaging 15.3 points and 3.7 assists during the streak, including a 23-point performance at Colgate and an 18-point, 6-assist outing against Boston U.
This non-conference matchup presents a stark contrast in competition level. Vanderbilt’s resume includes Power Five wins over Virginia, BYU and Oregon State. Albany’s two losses came against Syracuse and Rhode Island, and their winning streak has been built primarily against mid-major opponents.
The game represents a final major test for both sides before holiday breaks. Vanderbilt will look to leverage its size and depth, while Albany will rely on Hill’s playmaking and a defense that has held six of its last seven opponents under 62 points. A win for the Great Danes would be a signature victory for the program, while the Commodores aim to maintain their flawless start before entering Southeastern Conference play next month.
Tipoff is set for Thursday night at Memorial Gym.