Mady Sissoko vs AJ Hoggard: Ex-Spartans Clash in Nashville Play

College Basketball's Most Anticipated Rivalry Matchup

Two Former Michigan State Guards Face Off

Mady Sissoko and AJ Hoggard, two former Michigan State Spartan standouts, will face off in a highly anticipated matchup on Tuesday night as their current teams, the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, respectively, clash in Nashville.

Sissoko, a 6-foot-9 center, was a key contributor for the Spartans during his three seasons in East Lansing, averaging 5.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. He transferred to Vanderbilt this offseason, looking for a bigger role and a chance to showcase his skills in the SEC.

Hoggard, a 6-foot-3 point guard, was a dynamic playmaker for the Spartans, averaging 10.4 points and 4.4 assists per game last season. He transferred to Western Kentucky this offseason, hoping to lead the Hilltoppers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019.

Nashville Crowd Eagerly Anticipates Rivalry Matchup

The matchup between Sissoko and Hoggard has generated significant buzz in Nashville, where both players have a large following. Sissoko, a native of Mali, has quickly become a fan favorite with the Commodores, while Hoggard, a native of Atlanta, has a strong connection to the city after playing AAU basketball there.

The game is expected to draw a large crowd to Memorial Gym, Vanderbilt's on-campus arena. Tickets for the game are sold out, and a raucous atmosphere is expected.

Matchup Could Impact NCAA Tournament Hopes

While the game has plenty of storylines and personal connections, it also has significant implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament hopes. Vanderbilt is currently 12-9 overall and 5-5 in the SEC, while Western Kentucky is 16-6 overall and 7-3 in Conference USA.

A win for Vanderbilt would give them a much-needed boost in their quest to reach the NCAA Tournament. The Commodores have struggled with consistency this season, but they have played well at home, winning seven of their last eight games at Memorial Gym.

A win for Western Kentucky would further solidify their status as a contender in Conference USA. The Hilltoppers are currently in second place in the league standings, and a victory over Vanderbilt would give them a signature win that could boost their NCAA Tournament resume.

Individual Matchups to Watch

In addition to the overall team matchup, there are several individual matchups to watch in this game.

• Mady Sissoko vs. Emmanuel Akot (Western Kentucky): Two of the top big men in Conference USA will go head-to-head in this matchup. Sissoko is a skilled scorer and rebounder, while Akot is a defensive force who leads the Hilltoppers in blocked shots.
• AJ Hoggard vs. Tyrin Lawrence (Vanderbilt): Two of the top guards in the SEC will square off in this matchup. Hoggard is a dynamic playmaker who can score and create for others, while Lawrence is a lockdown defender who has been one of the best on-ball defenders in the league this season.
• Liam Robbins vs. Josh Anderson (Western Kentucky): Two of the top shooters in Conference USA will go head-to-head in this matchup. Robbins is a skilled three-point shooter who leads the Hilltoppers in scoring, while Anderson is a sharpshooter who has made over 40% of his three-pointers this season.

Prediction

This is a tough game to predict, as both teams are evenly matched and have a lot to play for. However, I give a slight edge to Vanderbilt at home. The Commodores have been playing well lately, and they have a lot of experience in big games. Western Kentucky is a good team, but they have struggled on the road this season, and they will be facing a hostile crowd in Nashville.

My prediction: Vanderbilt 72, Western Kentucky 68