Battle of Unbeatens: Vanderbilt vs SMU Preview
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Date: December 3, 2025
Time: 8:15PM CST
TV: SEC Network
Radio: 94.9 The Fan
Spread: Vandy -10.5 O/U 167.5
Rankings
Vanderbilt – AP: 17 | KenPom: 11 | NET: 5
SMU – AP: NR | KenPom: 41 | NET: 41
What We Know
Vanderbilt is coming into the ACC/SEC challenge undefeated and with their best metrics start to a season ever. Vandy just had a very successful trip to the Bahamas, winning the Battle 4 Atlantis title over Saint Mary’s 96-71 on November 28th. That’s after beating Western Kentucky (83-78) and VCU (89-74) in successive days. To win three games in three days, you need a strong bench and the Commodores have one led by Jalen Washington, who had 19 points in the final. Washington is a 6-10 center and a transfer from North Carolina, who is playing 17.6 minutes per game, averaging 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds. Duke Miles leads the team in scoring with 18.8 points per game on 474% from long range with 4.8 assists. Tyler Nickel adds 13.5 points and is shooting 46.3% from beyond the arc. This is an outstanding offensive team, averaging 52.1% from the field and 40.2% from long range (18th). KenPom has the Commodores at 10th overall and fourth in Adjusted Offense.
SMU is also coming into this game undefeated, and off of an overtime victory in Starkville against Mississippi State. The Mustangs won as a 1.5-point dog in that game, thanks to 28 points and nine rebounds from Boopie Miler and 24 from Jason Pierre Jr. There wasn’t a lot of bench production with Miller and three other starters playing at least 39 minutes. Bench depth up front is a concern with Michigan transfer Sam Walters (6-9, 230) missing the last three games. He’s listed as questionable due to an ankle injury. Miler is a talented and well-travelled 6-foot guard who has played at Central Michigan and Wake Forest before coming to SMU last season. He leads the team with 21.2 points on 49% shooting (45.9% 3pt). Pierre Jr., a Jacksonville State transfer, adds 18.4 points and 6.4 rebounds on 45.7% shooting (31.7% 3pt).
What to Expect
I expect this game to be the most physically tough the Commodores have played this year. SMU is strong, fast, and can hang with the ‘Dores in transition. This Vanderbilt offense though is truly one of the best in the country and I don’t see this train stopping against the Mustangs tonight.
Miller’s Prediction: Vandy 98 SMU 74
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