Vandy expects to tap home energy vs No. 1 Kentucky

By Teresa M. Walker

Associated Press

Published: Friday, Feb. 10 2012 8:51 a.m. MST

Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings yells to his players in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against LSU on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt won 76-61.

Mark Humphrey, Associated Press

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Summary

Whenever the nation's top-ranked team visits Memorial Gym, the Vanderbilt Commodores have a knack for defending their home court.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Whenever the nation's top-ranked team visits Memorial Gym, the Vanderbilt Commodores have a knack for defending their home court.

They feed off the frenzy of a sellout crowd that bounces around the 60-year-old building's cinderblock walls and the unique seating arrangements that puts players in the middle of an elevated stage.

The last four No. 1 teams to visit the Southeastern Conference's oldest men's basketball arena have left with a loss dating back to 1987.

The Commodores' goal is to make it five when No. 1 Kentucky visits Saturday night.

Vanderbilt senior Festus Ezeli says the home fans certainly do a good job getting the Commodores excited. He says they've been talking about this game for a while.

The Commodores are 7-14 all-time against No. 1 teams.

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