A Historic Night at Memorial Gymnasium: Vanderbilt Tops Alabama

By David Oglesby

Photo / Vanderbilt Athletics

NASHVILLE, TN — In a matchup that had been brewing for decades, the Vanderbilt Commodores delivered a thrilling performance against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Nashville Wednesday night, winning 96-90 in front of an electric crowd at Memorial Gymnasium. This clash marked the first top-15 matchup to unfold in Nashville in 50 years, and the excitement was palpable from the outset.

As the Commodores took to the court, the pressure of expectations was evident. Vanderbilt, ranked 10th, carried an unblemished record of 15-0 into the game, fueled by a blend of determination and the desire to prove doubters wrong. Alabama's coach Nate Oats had openly questioned Vanderbilt's strength of schedule prior to the game, suggesting that while the Commodores were a solid team, they had yet to face any "real" competition. Tyler Tanner and his teammates, however, took those words to heart, ready to demonstrate their capabilities against a formidable opponent.

The opening minutes of the game showcased Vanderbilt's intense offensive strategy. They surged to a 10-0 lead, taking advantage of fast breaks and impressive teamwork. Yet, Alabama was quick to respond, demonstrating why they were considered a top-tier team with a collection of key victories already under their belt. Both teams exchanged leads throughout the first half, leading to a tense atmosphere as they battled for control.

At halftime, the teams were knotted at 43, setting the stage for a riveting second half.

The second half saw a slew of foul calls, leading to numerous free throws as tempers flared and intensity rose. In this chaotic environment, a standout emerged: Tyler Tanner, who seemed unfazed by the mounting pressures of the game. Known for his steady play, Tanner took control when it mattered most, scoring a career-high 29 points alongside seven assists and four steals. His dynamic performance was pivotal; he orchestrated key plays, leveraging his agility to create shots even when teammates were mired in foul trouble.

Vanderbilt's success did not rest solely on Tanner's shoulders. Duke Miles contributed a crucial 19 points, while Devin McGlockton excelled with a double-double, notching 10 points and 12 rebounds. Their collective effort showcased the depth of talent on the team, dispelling any lingering doubts about their readiness for elite competition.

As the final minutes ticked away, with Vanderbilt clinging tightly to a slim lead, the tension rippled through the crowd. Alabama’s star players, Amari Allen, Aden Holloway, and Labaron Philon Jr., attempted to rally their team back into contention, but the Commodores' defense held firm. When the final buzzer sounded, it was clear: Vanderbilt had validated their season, defeating a widely respected Alabama squad and ensuring their place among the nation’s elite.

In the wake of the victory, Tanner remarked on the significance of the game and the team's collective spirit. “We heard what Nate Oats was saying before, that we didn’t have a lot of good games before this. We took that personally. We know how good we are, and we just wanted to show everybody tonight,” he expressed in an interview with ESPN.

With the victory against Alabama, the Commodores climbed to an impressive 15-0 and now look nothing less than like serious contenders in the NCAA Tournament. This win not only boosted their confidence but also dramatically shifted public perception, elevating them to the fourth spot in the CBS Sports Top 25 rankings.

As Vanderbilt prepares to take on LSU next, the Commodores are primed to continue their undefeated streak, with hopes high for what lies ahead. In a season that began with skepticism, the Commodores now have the chance to redefine their narrative, proving to all that their aspirations are indeed within reach.