In a nail-biting finish at Mizzou Arena, Missouri edged out No. 19 Vanderbilt with an 81-80 victory, as the Commodores' last-second comeback fell just short. Tyler Tanner was the star for Vanderbilt, scoring 27 points and nearly pulling off a miracle with a 50-foot heave at the buzzer that just missed.
Vanderbilt's Devin McGlockton contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, but it was Tanner's late-game heroics that almost turned the tide. Down by 21 with 8:40 remaining, Tanner ignited a furious rally. Despite battling illness, he delivered a performance that will be remembered by Commodore fans, showing grit and determination when his team needed it most.
For Missouri, Jayden Stone led the charge with 19 points, while T.O. Barrett and Trent Pierce each added 16. The Tigers capitalized on their strong free-throw shooting, hitting 78.1% from the line, a significant improvement over their season average.
The game saw Missouri take control in the second half, extending their lead to over 20 points at one stage. A key moment came when Pierce hit a corner three, pushing the Tigers' lead to double digits for the first time. Despite Vanderbilt's late surge, Missouri's size and defensive prowess kept them in front.
Vanderbilt struggled against Missouri's physical defense, with Tanner finding it tough to finish in the paint. The Tigers' defense forced the Commodores into difficult shots, and their ability to score easy buckets at crucial moments proved decisive.
Tyler Nickel, known for his three-point shooting, had a challenging night, finishing 4 of 11 from the floor. However, he hit a crucial three-pointer late in the game, setting the stage for Tanner's dramatic steal.
The game was a testament to Tanner's resilience and leadership, as he pushed through adversity to nearly snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Missouri's defense and timely scoring ultimately sealed the win, but the Commodores' spirited fightback will be talked about for some time.
In a game filled with intensity and drama, both teams showed why they are forces to be reckoned with in the Southeastern Conference.