In a thrilling quarterfinal showdown at the Southeastern Conference tournament, No. 22 Vanderbilt pulled off a 75-68 victory over Tennessee, thanks to stellar performances from Duke Miles and Tyler Tanner. The game, held at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, saw Miles deliver a career-best performance with 30 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, while Tanner added 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists to the mix.
Despite struggling with their shooting from the field, hitting only 40.4%, the Commodores excelled at the free-throw line, sinking 22 of 26 attempts. This precision from the stripe was crucial, especially in the second half where they made 16 of 18.
Vanderbilt found themselves trailing by seven when Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie hit back-to-back threes. But Miles quickly responded, sparking a 9-0 run that shifted momentum in Vandy's favor, ultimately putting them ahead 53-48. From there, Tennessee couldn't close the gap to less than three points.
The first half concluded with the teams deadlocked at 31, largely due to Tennessee's dominance on the boards, grabbing 26 rebounds to Vanderbilt's 17. However, Vanderbilt's dynamic backcourt proved to be the difference-maker in the second half.
Looking ahead, Vanderbilt is set for a rematch against top-seeded Florida, a team they narrowly lost to earlier in the season. With this win, Vanderbilt takes the season series against Tennessee, showcasing their potential heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Miles' performance was a highlight reel, especially in the second half where he continued his scoring spree, driving effectively against Tennessee's formidable defense. His ability to find open lanes and capitalize on fast breaks was instrumental in Vanderbilt's victory.
Tanner, meanwhile, was a model of efficiency, avoiding turnovers and making clutch free throws. His steady hand was vital in maintaining Vanderbilt's lead as the game wore on.
Despite the win, Vanderbilt's shooting woes from beyond the arc persisted, with the team hitting just 3 of 22 three-point attempts, excluding Miles' 4 of 5 effort. This inconsistency has been a theme, but their ability to adapt and find other ways to score was on full display.
On the defensive end, Vanderbilt managed to keep their players in the game without fouling out, a notable achievement given their recent struggles with fouls in previous matchups.
As Vanderbilt gears up for their next challenge against Florida, the combination of Miles' resurgence and Tanner's reliability makes them a formidable opponent. If they can continue to refine their game, particularly from three-point range, the Commodores could make a deep run in the tournament.