Vanderbilt men’s basketball made history by advancing to the SEC Tournament championship after defeating top-seeded Florida 91-74 in the semifinals. The Commodores, seeded fourth and ranked 22nd, became the first team in over a dozen years to reach the title game, marking their first appearance since 2012. The victory set up a showdown against the winner of the other semifinal between Arkansas and Ole Miss, with the championship set for Sunday at noon. The Commodores’ balanced scoring attack was instrumental in the win, as five players finished with double-digit points and two others added seven each. Tyler Tanner led the charge with a game-high 20 points, shooting 8-of-10 from the field and dishing out eight assists while committing just one turnover in 37 minutes. Jalen Washington, coming off the bench, contributed 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while Duke Miles chipped in 15, including a perfect 10-of-10 performance from the free-throw line. Devin McGlockton and AK Okereke added 12 and 11 points respectively, rounding out the scoring. Tyler Nickel and Chandler Bing each scored seven points, while the team shot 54.5% from the floor and 91.3% at the free-throw line, hitting 10 three-pointers. The game started with a tight contest, as the two teams were tied eight minutes in. A pivotal moment came when Miles converted a three-point play following a shooting foul, then completed a 4-point play to give Vanderbilt a 26-16 lead eight minutes before halftime. The Commodores extended their advantage further in the second half, with a dunk by Bing in the final minutes of the first half pushing the lead to 67-46. The Dores maintained a 25-point edge at one point before closing out the victory. Florida, which had previously faced a 19-point deficit in a game, struggled to keep up.#vanderbilt #jalen_washington #tyler_tanner #commodores #duke_miles
Vanderbilt's Dominance Over Florida Highlights SEC Tournament Surge Vanderbilt’s Devin McGlockton made it clear that the Commodores’ performance this March has left little room for surprise. “People shouldn’t be surprised,” he said, emphasizing that those who have followed the team’s progress all season would already understand the stakes. His words carried weight, especially after Vanderbilt’s stunning semifinal victory over Florida at the SEC Tournament, a matchup that had been anticipated as a high-stakes showdown. The rout of Florida, a team often regarded as a powerhouse in the conference, underscored Vanderbilt’s growing reputation as a formidable force in college basketball. The Commodores’ ability to dismantle a feared opponent in such a critical tournament setting sent shockwaves through the SEC. Fans and analysts alike were left questioning how Vanderbilt had managed to dominate a team that had previously been seen as a top-tier contender. McGlockton’s comments reflected a broader narrative about the Commodores’ season. Throughout the year, Vanderbilt had consistently outperformed expectations, blending defensive grit with offensive flair. Their tournament run was a culmination of months of preparation, with each game serving as a stepping stone toward this moment. The victory over Florida wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The SEC Tournament, known for its intensity and unpredictability, became a stage for Vanderbilt to showcase their resilience. Florida, despite their reputation, had struggled to contain the Commodores’ relentless pressure and sharpshooting. The final scoreline was a testament to Vanderbilt’s ability to execute under pressure, a trait that had defined their season. For fans of both teams, the matchup was a clash of styles and histories.#sec_tournament #florida #vanderbilt #devin_mcglowton #commodores
