The Commodores’ scoring streak is reaching a level not seen in the SEC in 32 years
The No. 24 Vanderbilt Commodores defeated VCU 89-74 in the Battle 4 Atlantis semifinals on Thursday. The team improved to 7-0, their best start since 2007-08, and is now averaging 98.1 points per game through seven contests. the highest scoring pace by the 1993-94 Arkansas Razorbacks SEC team, according to ESPN Insights.
Vanderbilt’s balanced offense had four scorers in double figures. Duke Miles led the way with 20 points, going 4-of-5 from the field and 10-of-11 at the free throw line. Tyler Nickle and Tyler Tanner each scored 16 points, while Jalen Washington added 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal. Nickel sank four of Vanderbilt’s 11 3-pointers, and Tanner led the team with five assists. The Commodores shot 52.9% from the field and converted 50% of their three-point attempts, going 11-for-22 from beyond the arc.
Vanderbilt jumped out to a 20-3 lead, committing seven turnovers in the first eight minutes, but VCU rallied with a 20-4 run to cut the deficit to 24-18. At halftime, the Rams trailed slightly, 43-41, even though they shot just 31% from the field, thanks to 21-of-24 free throws. The Commodores regained control in the second half, shooting 60.9% while outrebounding VCU 46-33. Vanderbilt went on an 11-0 run midway through the half, with a dunk by Washington and a layup by Tanner extending the lead to 85-65, as VCU was held scoreless for more than four minutes down the stretch.
Foul trouble arose late for Vanderbilt, with Tanner, Miles and Collins each committing four fouls, but none were fouled. Head coach Mark Byington has carefully managed rotations to preserve his lineup. Vanderbilt also outrebounded VCU 43-29 and dished out 18 assists.
The Commodores now await the winner of Friday’s Virginia Tech–Saint Mary’s semifinal with a chance to capture the Battle 4 Atlantis title as they continue their historic SEC streak.
2025-11-28 08:59:00
