NASHVILLE, Tenn. — No. 19 Vanderbilt men’s basketball returns to Memorial Gymnasium on Saturday for a crucial Southeastern Conference showdown against Texas A&M. Tipoff is scheduled for noon CT and will be broadcast on SEC Network. Fans can also listen to the game on 102.5 The Game and via the Vanderbilt Athletics app, featuring commentary from Kevin Ingram and Tim Thompson.
The Commodores (20-4, 7-4 SEC) are looking to continue their strong season and maintain their position in the SEC standings against the Aggies (17-7, 7-4 SEC). This marks the second consecutive 20-win season for Vanderbilt under head coach Mark Byington, a feat not achieved since the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. Byington is the first Vanderbilt coach to lead the team to 20 wins in his first two seasons.
Vanderbilt is coming off an impressive 84-76 victory at Auburn, fueled by a career-high 22 points from veteran big man Jalen Washington. Washington showcased remarkable efficiency, shooting 7-of-8 from the field, including a perfect 2-for-2 from three-point range, and 6-for-6 from the free throw line. His performance was also key to a defensive effort that limited Auburn to just 11-of-27 on layup attempts.
Tanner Earns National Recognition
Adding to the team’s momentum, sophomore Tyler Tanner has been added to the Wooden Award Top 20 watch list, recognizing him as a frontrunner for National Player of the Year and All-America honors. Tanner has consistently delivered strong performances, scoring 20 or more points in each of his last three games and averaging over 22 points per game in SEC play this season. He has scored in double figures in all 24 games this season.
Tanner’s impact extends beyond scoring. He currently averages 22.3 points and 5.9 assists in SEC games. With 59 steals this season, Tanner ranks among the top 10 single seasons in Vanderbilt program history. His 128 assists place him fifth among sophomores in Vanderbilt history, trailing the record of 172. His current point total of 453 ranks eighth among sophomore seasons, and his 18.9 points per game would be the third-highest average for a Vanderbilt sophomore, behind Scotty Pippen Jr. And John Jenkins.
Series History Favors Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt holds a 12-8 advantage in the all-time series against Texas A&M. The Commodores have won the last two meetings between the teams, including a dramatic buzzer-beater victory at home in 2024 and a hard-fought win in College Station last season. Vanderbilt boasts a 7-1 record against the Aggies in February matchups.
This game represents a pivotal opportunity for both teams as they navigate the competitive SEC landscape. The outcome will undoubtedly have implications for seeding in the upcoming SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament considerations.
Fans can tune in to SEC Network at noon CT to witness the action unfold at Memorial Gymnasium. The game will also be available on 102.5 The Game and the Vanderbilt Athletics app for those unable to attend in person.
What comes next for the Commodores will depend on Saturday’s outcome, but the team appears poised for a strong finish to the regular season and a deep run in the SEC Tournament. Stay tuned for further updates and coverage of Vanderbilt men’s basketball.
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