:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45972222/usa-today-8438805.0.jpg)
Much like Rhode Island on Sunday, in the NIT's third round, Stanford is matching up with a program they haven't seen in quite some time.
For the first time since the 80's, and just the second time ever, Vanderbilt will be facing off with the Cardinal. Stanford has won both meetings, with one being an 89-68 win in the championship game of the Vanderbilt Invitational and the other a 72-64 victory during December of 1954.
Vanderbilt, finishing seventh in SEC conference play, closed the season winning 7 of their final 8 games. The Commodores, who are making their 15th NIT appearance, are averaging 70.5 points per game while shooting an impressive 47.4 percent overall and 38.8 percent from beyond the three-point arc. Vandy took home the 1990 NIT crown, in addition to also being the 1994 runner-up. Stanford will need to watch out for Vandy's biggest contributors, including Damian Jones (14.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 56.3% FG, 68 blocks), Riley LaChance (12.4 ppg, 38.6% 3FG, 96 assists), and Wade Baldwin (9.4 ppg, 79.8% FT, 154 assists).
After a dominating performance against Rhode Island from the free throw line, Chasson Randle eyes the school point record, which is now just 27 points away from his grasp. With a win tonight, Stanford will make their third trip to Madison Square Garden in four seasons.
Will Randle knock off Todd Lichti as the program's leading all-time scorer? Will Stanford once again hold a major advantage from the free throw line like they did against URI? Here's how you can see the Cardinal attempt to punch their ticket to the NIT Final Four on Tuesday night:
How to Watch:
IN PERSON: Maples Pavilion, Tickets
WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, 6:00 PM (PT)
WHERE: ESPN
LISTEN: KNBR 1050 AM
STREAMING: WatchESPN
Further Reading:
A Statistical Overview of Vanderbilt at Stanford
Vanderbilt Travels to Stanford for a NERD FIGHT
Vandy game notes
Stanford game notes
Trip to MSG on the line
NIT Central