The Vanderbilt Commodores are enjoying one of their best seasons in recent memory under first-year coach Mark Byington. But can Vandy parlay that into the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017?
Thanks to their play early this season against ranked competition, the Commodores were considered a likely tournament team by several operators who offer Tennessee sports betting promos. But Byington’s team then dropped three of five while playing in the nation’s toughest conference, and was bounced early in the conference tourney.
With Selection Sunday nearing, BetTennessee is watching Vandy’s hoops team and the likelihood they make March Madness.
Percentage Chance | Odds | |
Yes | 95.2% | -2000 |
No | 4.8% | +2000 |
These odds are exclusive to BetTennesee.com; you won’t see them at licensed Tennessee sports betting operators, such as Fanatics Tennessee Sportsbook.
Being in the Southeastern Conference can be considered a blessing and a curse. It gives the Commodores the opportunity for several more signature wins to increase their chances. However, it also means a long losing streak could have put them on the wrong side of the bubble. The club dropped consecutive games to No. 1 Auburn, No. 5 Tennessee and No. 17 Kentucky but has bounced back with wins over No. 24 Ole Miss and No. 12 Texas A&M last week. They then took care of No. 14 Missouri on Saturday to almost certainly stamp their March Madness ticket.
Those wins gave the team very likely odds of dancing come March.
Vandy did not help themselves in the conference tournament across Tennessee sports betting..
Vandy dropped their first game to Texas 79-72 to leave themselves susceptible to the selection committee, while a strong run in the tourney would have solidified their chances.
The Commodores finished 8-10 in the SEC and 20-12 overall, with the loss to Texas being their final tilt until selection Sunday.
While several sportsbooks previously had Vandy as a bubble team, they have taken them off those boards. That’s an indication the oddsmakers believe they will make it. That said, they will be considered a heavy underdog to make a long run in March. At FanDuel Tennessee Sportsbook, the Commodores’ odds to win it all are +20000.
USA Today photo by Steve Roberts
Currently, we give Vanderbilt a 98.7% chance to make the NCAA March Madness Tournament in 2025.
The Vanderbilt men's basketball team last made the NCAA Tournament in 2017 under Head Coach Bryce Drew. The last two seasons the Commodores finished their season in the NIT quarterfinals.
Author
Steve is an accomplished, award-winning reporter with more than 20 years of experience covering gaming, sports, politics and business. He has written for the Associated Press, Reuters, The Louisville Courier Journal, The Center Square and numerous other publications. Based in Louisville, Ky., Steve has covered the expansion of sports betting in the U.S. and other gaming matters.
