Vanderbilt Commodores basketball will open its season at home on November 5 against Wake Forest, and just five days later the team will welcome Memphis to Memorial Gymnasium for a much‑anticipated matchup on November 10.
Rivalry resurges as Commodores prepare for Memphis
The Commodores and the Tigers have met 17 times in the past decade, with Vanderbilt holding a slim 9‑8 edge in the all‑time series.
Their most recent encounter came in overtime last season, when the Commodores edged Memphis 77‑70, securing their first victory over the Tigers since 1997.
That win contributed to a historic campaign for Vanderbilt, which finished the previous season at 27‑9, captured a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament and climbed as high as tenth in the Associated Press poll.
Coach Penny Hardaway, who returned to the program after a successful stint at Memphis, will look to guide his squad through a demanding non‑conference slate that also includes games against powerhouse opponents.
Sportswriter Paul Skrbina has chronicled the team’s rise, noting the Commodores’ 16‑game winning streak to start the season and their steady climb in the national rankings.
The upcoming game against Memphis marks the fourth meeting between the two programs in the last five seasons, underscoring a growing rivalry that fans on both sides eagerly follow.