WSMV Channel 4 Vandy expects to tap home energy vs No. 1 Kentucky

Vandy expects to tap home energy vs No. 1 Kentucky

Posted: Updated:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - 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.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.