In a clash that promises to be one for the ages, No. 19 Vanderbilt is set to host their in-state rival Tennessee this Saturday in Nashville. This matchup is steeped in history, marking a significant chapter in their 104-year rivalry.
Vanderbilt, sporting a 21-5 overall record and 8-5 in the SEC, is looking up at Tennessee, who sits at 19-7 and 9-4 in the conference. The stakes are high, with Tennessee currently positioned to snag one of the four coveted double byes in the SEC tournament, set to unfold just a stone’s throw from Vanderbilt's campus.
In Thursday's NCAA NET rankings, Vanderbilt held the 15th spot, four places ahead of Tennessee, making this a crucial Quad 1 game for both squads. The Commodores have thrived in these high-stakes matchups, boasting a 7-4 record, while the Vols lag behind at 4-7.
Vanderbilt is coming off a heart-wrenching 81-80 loss to Missouri, a game that tested their resolve both emotionally and physically. Tyler Tanner, stepping up as Vanderbilt's sole active point guard since Duke Miles was sidelined with a knee issue, played through illness. Tanner’s heroic 38-minute performance saw him rack up 27 points, five assists, and three steals, nearly pulling off a miraculous comeback with a last-second shot that tantalizingly rimmed out.
"He wasn't himself in the first half," Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington noted about Tanner. "But he found his rhythm, got caught up in the game's intensity, and almost brought us back."
Duke Miles, averaging 16.6 points and 2.8 steals, remains out, with his return uncertain. Meanwhile, Tanner continues to shoulder a heavy load, averaging 35.5 minutes in SEC play, and taking some physical punishment from defenders. In a recent game against Texas A&M, foul trouble forced Vanderbilt to rely on Tyler Nickel and AK Okereke to share ball-handling duties, a rare sight for the Commodores.
Tennessee, under the guidance of Rick Barnes, is known for their physical style of play. Their dominance on the boards was on full display in their recent 89-66 victory over Oklahoma, where they out-rebounded their opponents 36-19. This poses a significant challenge for Vanderbilt, especially with Tennessee's 6-foot-10 freshman sensation Nate Ament, who’s been averaging 24.3 points during the Vols' impressive 7-1 streak.
The Vols also lean heavily on Ja'Kobi Gillespie, their sole point guard, who’s been logging significant minutes and scoring 18.1 points per game. Tennessee’s prowess on the offensive glass is unmatched, leading the nation by grabbing 45.2% of their own misses, with Jaylen Carey playing a pivotal role. Carey, who previously played under Byington at James Madison, has made his feelings clear about his former team, adding an extra layer of intensity to this rivalry.
With the regular-season finale looming in Knoxville on March 7, this game is more than just a battle for standings-it's about pride and proving who reigns supreme in the state. Get ready for a showdown that’s sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.