In a disappointing turn of events, Vanderbilt basketball’s 2023-24 season began similar to the previous year. The team suffered a disastrous 68-62 loss to Presbyterian, a team that went 5-27 last season and was ranked 315th of 362 teams preseason by KenPom.
Three key players, Tyrin Lawrence, Ven-Allen Lubin, and Lee Dort were sidelined due to injuries, leaving the team short-handed. This ultimately hindered Vanderbilt (0-1) from putting up a strong fight against Presbyterian (1-0), resulting in a double-digit loss.
Freshmen players were given significant playing time in an effort to step up, but Vanderbilt struggled, shooting just 33% from the field and 27% from the 3-point line. Their offense lacked rhythm and flow.
Furthermore, without Lawrence, the team’s offense was disjointed, forcing them to rely on other players who couldn’t replicate his impact. The absence of key players severely impacted the team’s performance, turning what was supposed to be an assured win into a disappointing loss.
Missed Opportunities & Shaky Start
Disarray and struggles plagued the game as Vanderbilt failed to find its rhythm and secure a win even with several solid opportunities. It’s back to the drawing board for Vanderbilt basketball as they strive to recover from this early blow.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or on Twitter @aria_gerson.
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.
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