Vanderbilt Upsets No. 6 Tennessee in Thrilling 76-75 Victory

Vanderbilt Upsets No. 6 Tennessee in Thrilling 76-75 Victory \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Jason Edwards scored 18 points to lead Vanderbilt to a narrow 76-75 victory over No. 6 Tennessee in a packed Memorial Gym. This marks the Commodores’ second consecutive win and their first sellout since 2019. Tennessee, now 16-2, missed a late free throw that could have forced overtime.

Vanderbilt’s Upset Over Tennessee: Quick Looks

• Key Performance: Jason Edwards led Vanderbilt with 18 points.
• Historic Win: Commodores’ second win in 14 games against Tennessee.
• Court Stormed: Fans celebrated in the first Memorial Gym sellout since 2019.
• Takeaways: Tennessee struggled defensively, giving up over 70 points for only the second time this season.
• Next Games: Tennessee hosts Mississippi State, while Vanderbilt visits Alabama.

Deep Look

Vanderbilt shocked No. 6 Tennessee in a thrilling 76-75 victory on Saturday, marking one of the most exciting games in recent SEC basketball history. The Commodores, led by Jason Edwards’ 18 points, overcame Tennessee’s size and defensive prowess to secure their second straight win and just their second victory in the last 14 matchups against the Vols.

Fans at Memorial Gym, which hosted its first sellout crowd since 2019, stormed the court as the Commodores celebrated the upset. For Tennessee, the loss highlighted ongoing struggles in SEC road games, while Vanderbilt showcased resilience and sharp shooting that could signal a turning point in their season.

Jason Edwards Leads the Charge

Jason Edwards delivered an outstanding performance, leading Vanderbilt with 18 points and serving as the anchor of their offensive attack. Edwards consistently found ways to score, despite facing one of the toughest defenses in the nation. He had strong support from teammates Jaylen Carey (14 points), Tyler Nickel (13 points), and AJ Hoggard (11 points), creating a balanced offensive effort that kept Tennessee off balance.

Tyler Nickel’s sharpshooting proved critical, with the forward sinking four 3-pointers, including one that capped off a decisive second-half run that extended Vanderbilt’s lead to double digits. His ability to stretch the floor opened up opportunities for Vanderbilt’s other scorers.

Tennessee’s Missed Opportunities

The Vols, who entered the game with a 16-2 record, struggled to maintain their defensive identity, allowing more than 70 points for only the second time this season. Both instances resulted in losses.

Chaz Lanier led Tennessee with 17 points, and Zakai Zeigler, Igor Milicic Jr., and Felix Okpara also added 17 points each in a balanced offensive effort. Despite a strong late-game push, the Vols couldn’t complete their comeback.

A pivotal moment came with just 2.8 seconds left on the clock, as Lanier stepped to the free-throw line with a chance to tie the game. While he sank the first free throw, he missed the second, and Vanderbilt secured the rebound to seal the win.

Decisive Moments in the Game

The game’s defining stretch came early in the second half. After Tennessee trimmed Vanderbilt’s lead to 41-40 with a 3-pointer by Igor Milicic, the Commodores responded with a flurry of perimeter shooting. Four consecutive 3-pointers, including Tyler Nickel’s fourth of the game, gave Vanderbilt a commanding 53-40 lead with 16:39 remaining.

Vanderbilt maintained control, extending their lead to as much as 16 points before Tennessee mounted a late-game rally. The Vols scored the final nine points of the game, but their comeback fell short as Lanier’s missed free throw denied them the chance to force overtime.

Vanderbilt’s Grit Outmatches Tennessee’s Size

Despite Tennessee’s clear size advantage, Vanderbilt managed to hold their own in the paint and on the boards. The Commodores outrebounded the Vols 29-25, a testament to their grit and determination. Vanderbilt’s ability to neutralize Tennessee’s physical edge proved crucial in securing the win.

The Commodores also excelled in capitalizing on Tennessee’s defensive lapses, particularly from beyond the arc. Their hot shooting stretched Tennessee’s defense and created scoring opportunities inside.

Coaching Dynamics

Mark Byington, Vanderbilt’s head coach, secured a signature win in his matchup against Tennessee’s Rick Barnes. Byington became the fourth Vanderbilt coach to face Barnes during his 10-year tenure with the Vols, and his victory matched the one-win records of former coaches Jerry Stackhouse and Bryce Drew. Notably, Kevin Stallings remains the only Vanderbilt coach to hold a winning record against Barnes (2-1).

Takeaways from the Game

For Tennessee:

• The Vols’ defensive identity faltered in key moments, as they allowed Vanderbilt to score over 70 points, a rarity for their typically stifling defense.
• Tennessee’s road struggles in SEC play continue, with two losses in their first three conference games away from home.
• Late-game execution was an issue, highlighted by missed free throws and scoring opportunities in crunch time.

For Vanderbilt:

• The Commodores’ balanced scoring and timely perimeter shooting were decisive.
• They demonstrated resilience and composure, especially in the face of Tennessee’s late-game rally.
• Outrebounding a physically dominant team like Tennessee showcased their toughness and effort.

Key Stats

• Rebounding Edge: Vanderbilt won the battle on the boards 29-25.
• Perimeter Shooting: Vanderbilt’s four consecutive 3-pointers in the second half shifted momentum decisively.
• Final Stretch: Tennessee’s 9-0 run to close the game wasn’t enough to overcome their earlier deficit.

What’s Next

Tennessee:
The Vols will look to rebound as they return home to face No. 15 Mississippi State on Tuesday night. This matchup offers Tennessee a chance to regain their defensive form and solidify their position in the SEC standings.

Vanderbilt:
The Commodores face a formidable challenge on Tuesday night as they travel to Tuscaloosa to take on No. 4 Alabama. With momentum from their win over Tennessee, Vanderbilt will aim to continue their strong play against one of the top teams in the country.

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