Vanderbilt Commodores scored a thrilling upset over the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, winning 76-75 at Memorial Gymnasium. The victory not only handed the Commodores their second straight win but also marked their first against Tennessee since 2023, demonstrating the unpredictability of college basketball.
With packed stands and fans eager for action, excitement permeated the arena. Jason Edwards led the way for Vanderbilt with 18 points, supported by Jaylen Carey with 14 points and Tyler Nickel contributing 13. AJ Hoggard also played well, adding 11 points. The Commodores improved their record to 15-3 overall and 3-2 within the Southeastern Conference.
Tennessee, meanwhile, fell to 16-2 and matched Vanderbilt’s SEC record at 3-2. Leading the Volunteers was Chaz Lanier, who scored 17 points, supported by Zakai Zeigler, who posted 16 points and ten assists. Despite this loss, Tennessee remained competitive, especially late in the game.
The match started favorably for Vanderbilt, who took the lead with an 11-0 run after TN's Zeigler got foul trouble, closing the first half with the score at 41-35. The Commodores sustained pressure throughout the second half. After Tennessee narrowed the deficit early on, Vanderbilt went on another run, this time making four consecutive 3-pointers, stretching their lead to as much as 16 points.
Key moments were highlighted when the Volunteers made a desperate attempt to claw back late. With the game drawing closer to its conclusion and Tennessee on their heels, they managed to score the last nine points. But their comeback effort fell short when Lanier's layup to tie was blocked by Chris Manon, solidifying Vanderbilt’s narrow victory.
Despite shooting well from 3-point range, hitting 10 of 21 attempts, Tennessee struggled offensively against Vanderbilt's defense. The Commodores capitalized on opportunities, showing grit, especially by outrebounding Tennessee 29-25 and forcing turnovers important to maintaining their advantage.
For the Wildcats, this defeat marked the second loss where they allowed over 70 points this season. Head Coach Rick Barnes commented on the importance of defensive adjustments, stating, "We were not sharp on the defensive end, and it cost us the game, especially against a team like Vanderbilt who can shoot the ball well."
Marginal changes paved the way for this incredible upset. The energy among players and fans was palpable, especially as Vanderbilt fans stormed the court at the closing buzzer, erupting with elation for their team's impressive win and setting the tone for the rest of the season. This marked the first sellout at Memorial Gym since 2019, drawing support both for the team and the sport.
After the game, Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington reflected on the importance of this win for his players and future games, saying, "This was more than just one game; it was about character, determination, and standing strong against adversity. Jason Edwards was outstanding for us tonight, absolutely clutch when we needed him."
The Commodores now look to build momentum as they head to face No. 4 Alabama next, whereas Tennessee will gear up for another tough matchup against No. 15 Mississippi State on Tuesday. Every game is ever-increasingly important as the SEC shapes up to be one of the most competitive conferences this season.
Both teams will have to regroup quickly as they continue through the season, with Vanderbilt hoping to continue their winning streak and Tennessee aiming to reclaim their former dominance on the court.