Here are my predictions for the first-round game scores in the 2025 NCAA Tournament for the Vanderbilt women’s and men’s basketball teams, based on their respective matchups against Oregon and St. Mary’s, along with brief explanations for each outcome.
### 1. Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball vs. Oregon
**Predicted Score: Vanderbilt 78, Oregon 70**
**Explanation:** The Vanderbilt women’s team, entering as a No. 7 seed, has shown resilience this season with a 22-10 record and notable wins over Tennessee. Led by standout freshman Mikayla Blakes, who has consistently delivered double-digit scoring, the Commodores boast a high-powered offense averaging over 83 points per game. Oregon, a No. 10 seed with a 19-11 record, relies heavily on their 6-foot-8 center Phillipina Kyei for interior presence and rebounding. However, Vanderbilt’s perimeter shooters, including Blakes and Iyana Moore, could exploit Oregon’s weaker 3-point defense, which allows opponents to shoot 33.7% from deep. If Vanderbilt can stretch the floor and limit Kyei’s impact by drawing fouls, they should pull ahead in a competitive game, advancing with their offensive firepower.
### 2. Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball vs. St. Mary’s
**Predicted Score: St. Mary’s 68, Vanderbilt 64**
**Explanation:** The Vanderbilt men’s team, a No. 10 seed with a 20-12 record, faces a formidable No. 7 seed St. Mary’s squad that finished 28-5 and ranks among the nation’s elite defensively. The Gaels, led by senior guard Augustus Marciulionis and center Mitchell Saxen, excel at controlling tempo and stifling opponents, ranking eighth in defensive efficiency per KenPom. Vanderbilt, under first-year coach Mark Byington, has battled through a tough SEC schedule but struggled late, losing six of their final ten games. St. Mary’s disciplined defense should frustrate Vanderbilt’s mid-tier offense (30th in offensive efficiency), and while the Commodores are battle-tested, the Gaels’ rebounding edge and experience in tight games likely secure them a narrow victory in a low-scoring affair.
These predictions reflect each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and tournament context as of March 17, 2025.
### 1. Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball vs. Oregon
**Predicted Score: Vanderbilt 78, Oregon 70**
**Explanation:** The Vanderbilt women’s team, entering as a No. 7 seed, has shown resilience this season with a 22-10 record and notable wins over Tennessee. Led by standout freshman Mikayla Blakes, who has consistently delivered double-digit scoring, the Commodores boast a high-powered offense averaging over 83 points per game. Oregon, a No. 10 seed with a 19-11 record, relies heavily on their 6-foot-8 center Phillipina Kyei for interior presence and rebounding. However, Vanderbilt’s perimeter shooters, including Blakes and Iyana Moore, could exploit Oregon’s weaker 3-point defense, which allows opponents to shoot 33.7% from deep. If Vanderbilt can stretch the floor and limit Kyei’s impact by drawing fouls, they should pull ahead in a competitive game, advancing with their offensive firepower.
### 2. Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball vs. St. Mary’s
**Predicted Score: St. Mary’s 68, Vanderbilt 64**
**Explanation:** The Vanderbilt men’s team, a No. 10 seed with a 20-12 record, faces a formidable No. 7 seed St. Mary’s squad that finished 28-5 and ranks among the nation’s elite defensively. The Gaels, led by senior guard Augustus Marciulionis and center Mitchell Saxen, excel at controlling tempo and stifling opponents, ranking eighth in defensive efficiency per KenPom. Vanderbilt, under first-year coach Mark Byington, has battled through a tough SEC schedule but struggled late, losing six of their final ten games. St. Mary’s disciplined defense should frustrate Vanderbilt’s mid-tier offense (30th in offensive efficiency), and while the Commodores are battle-tested, the Gaels’ rebounding edge and experience in tight games likely secure them a narrow victory in a low-scoring affair.
These predictions reflect each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and tournament context as of March 17, 2025.
