The Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball team returns to the friendly confines of Memorial Gymnasium on Sunday, November 17th, as they host the Butler Bulldogs in a non-conference matchup. The Commodores enter the contest with a perfect 3-0 record, having recently defeated the South Florida Bulls on the road. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs also boast an unblemished 3-0 start to the season, setting the stage for an intriguing clash between two undefeated squads.

Vanderbilt Commodores Aim to Extend Winning Streak and Dominant Home Record

Commodores Riding High After Successful Road Trip

Vanderbilt's early-season success has been fueled by a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defensive effort. In their most recent victory over South Florida, the Commodores had three players score in double figures, led by sophomore Khamil Pierre's third consecutive double-double. The Commodores' defensive prowess has been on full display, as they have held their opponents to 50 or fewer points in all three games this season.

Memorial Gymnasium: A Fortress for the Commodores

Vanderbilt has been a dominant force at home under head coach Shea Ralph, boasting an impressive 26-5 record against non-conference opponents at Memorial Gymnasium. The Commodores have won 13 straight home games against non-SEC teams, a streak that dates back to the 2022-23 campaign. Overall, Vanderbilt has a 35-13 record against non-conference opponents during Ralph's tenure.

Renewing a Budding Rivalry

Sunday's matchup will be the fourth time Vanderbilt and Butler have met on the hardwood, with the Commodores holding a 2-1 advantage in the series. The two teams last faced off last season, with Vanderbilt emerging victorious in a 51-39 defensive battle at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Busy Stretch Ahead for the Commodores

The Commodores are set to embark on a grueling stretch of five games in 11 days, beginning with Sunday's contest against Butler. After this home matchup, Vanderbilt will welcome Hampton and Samford to Memorial Gymnasium before heading to the Acrisure Classic in Palm Springs, California, where they will face Arizona and either California or Michigan State.

Commodores Earning National Recognition

Vanderbilt's strong start to the season has not gone unnoticed, as the Commodores have earned 13 votes in the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll, marking their second consecutive appearance in the national rankings.

Khamil Pierre Establishing Herself as a Double-Double Machine

Sophomore forward Khamil Pierre has been a dominant force for the Commodores, recording a double-double in each of Vanderbilt's three games this season. She is one of only eight NCAA Division I players to have three or more double-doubles to start the campaign, and the first Commodore to accomplish this feat since Koi Love in the 2020-21 season.

Madison Greene Seizes Opportunity in First Career Start

Sophomore guard Madison Greene made the most of her first career start at Vanderbilt, pouring in a season-high 15 points against South Florida, including a career-best five 3-pointers. Greene's performance was a welcome sight for the Commodores, as they look to build depth and balance around their star players.

Scouting the Butler Bulldogs

The Butler Bulldogs enter Sunday's matchup with an identical 3-0 record, having recently defeated in-state rival Indiana. Senior guard Caroline Strande leads the Bulldogs in scoring, averaging 13.0 points per game, while freshman Lily Carmody has also been a valuable contributor, averaging 12.0 points per contest off the bench.As a team, the Bulldogs are averaging 74.0 points per game and shooting 44.3% from the field, while holding their opponents to just 53.7 points per game. Butler's defense has been stifling, limiting opponents to 38.2% shooting from the field and 39.6% from beyond the arc.The Commodores and Bulldogs will clash in a battle of undefeated teams, with Vanderbilt looking to extend its impressive home record and the Bulldogs seeking to pull off an early-season upset. With both teams playing at a high level, this matchup promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest.