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OKLAHOMA CITY – One of the best days on the sports calendar has arrived as the first full day of March Madness is underway. And for the second consecutive season, Vanderbilt had made the big dance.
The No. 5 seed Commodores will take on No. 12 seed McNeese in Oklahoma City Saturday afternoon after what has been one of the most successful seasons in program history. Vanderbilt has earned its 26-8 record this season as it looks to make its tournament run aspirations a reality.
But it will not be easy. McNeese rolls into the Round of 64 with a 10-game win streak and have proven to be one of the toughest mid-major programs in the country. The Cowboys are looking to pull off an upset after pulling off a first round upset a year ago.
McNeese has the full attention of McNeese, however. McNeese is the most dangerous team in the country at forced turnover percentage and stealing the ball away, ranking first in the country in both statistical categories.
The key for Vanderbilt today is simple: take care of the ball and hit shots. If Vanderbilt brings its best to Oklahoma City Thursday, the Commodores will feel great about their chances to extend their season.
Tipoff between Vanderbilt and McNeese is set for approximately 2:15 p.m. CT on TruTV
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Graham Baakko is a writer for Vanderbilt Commodores On SI, primarily covering football, basketball and baseball. Graham is a recent graduate from the University of Alabama, where he wrote for The Crimson White, WVUA-FM, WVUA 23 as he covered a variety of Crimson Tide sports. He also covered South Carolina athletics as a sportswriting intern for GamecockCentral.
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