Vanderbilt men's basketball kicks off their road campaign this season by participating in the Charleston Classic. They open the eight-team event against Nevada in a 7:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. CT tip. This marks an important milestone as they look to continue their winning streak and make a mark in this prestigious tournament.
The team is well-prepared and eager to showcase their skills on the road. With a 4-0 record already under their belt, they bring confidence and momentum into this matchup. The players are focused on maintaining their winning form and making a strong statement in Charleston.
Vanderbilt recently improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2018-19 with a convincing 94-81 win over Jackson State. Five Dores scored in double figures, led by the talented Jason Edwards with 16 points. This victory demonstrated the team's offensive firepower and ability to dominate on the court.
The Commodores also found their shooting touch from deep, hitting an impressive 16 three-pointers in the win. Tyler Nickel led the shooting performance with a 4-for-8 night from three-point range. This shooting prowess has been a key factor in their recent success and gives them a dangerous edge on the offensive end.
Tyler Tanner has emerged as a standout among freshmen nationally, already recording 12 steals through just four games. He has snagged multiple steals in every game, electrifying Memorial Gymnasium against Cal with 14 points and adding three steals off the bench. In his collegiate debut, he dropped nine points and added three steals, showing great potential and athleticism.
Tanner's performance makes him the first Vanderbilt freshman to notch three steals in his debut since the legendary defender Atiba Prater did so in 1996-97. His ability to create turnovers and contribute on both ends of the court is a significant asset for the team and has earned him a lot of attention.
Devin McGlockton has been a force to be reckoned with early in the season. His offensive and rebounding prowess is evident, but he's also quietly among the nation's leaders in blocks. With 12 rejections on the season already, he ranks 11th nationally and second in the SEC. He has multiple blocks in all four games this season, showing his dominance in the paint.
McGlockton's blocking ability has been a key factor in limiting opponents' scoring opportunities and protecting the rim. His presence in the paint gives the team a sense of security and allows them to play with more confidence on defense.
After a slow start to the season from 3-point range, the Commodores found their shooting rhythm against Jackson State. They hit 16 threes on Saturday while shooting 42.1 percent from deep. This was a significant improvement and the most three-pointers the Dores have made since 2022.
Five Dores hit multiple threes in the game, led by Nickel who went 4-of-8 from deep. Tyler Tanner and AJ Hoggard each hit three apiece, demonstrating the team's depth and ability to spread the floor. This shooting ability adds another dimension to their game and makes them a dangerous opponent.
Vanderbilt's 4-0 start marks a significant achievement as it is the first time since 2018-19 that the Dores have started the season with four wins. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff.
A win on Thursday night would be a major milestone as it would give them a 5-0 start for the first time since 2015-16. This would set them on a path to even greater success and establish them as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
For a third consecutive game, Vanderbilt will face a new opponent as they meet Nevada on Thursday night. This will be the first time they face the Wolf Pack head coach Steve Alford. The team is looking to build on their winning streak and make a statement against this unfamiliar foe.
Each game presents a new challenge for Vanderbilt, and they are ready to rise to the occasion. With their recent form and the talent on the roster, they are confident in their ability to come out on top and continue their winning ways.