Vanderbilt's high-powered offense was on full display as they took down Louisiana State 84-73 at Memorial Gymnasium. The Commodores, now 17-3 on the season, were led by Tyler Tanner's 20 points, while Tyler Nickel chipped in with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Duke Miles added 17 points and 5 assists, showcasing the depth and versatility of Vanderbilt's roster.
The Commodores dominated the first half, taking a 52-38 lead into the break. They shot efficiently from the field, moving the ball with precision and finding open shooters. LSU's Max Mackinnon tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 15 of his 27 points in the first half. However, Vanderbilt's balanced attack proved too much for the Tigers to handle.
In the second half, Vanderbilt's lead never dipped below 10 points. The Commodores continued to move the ball effectively, finding open teammates and knocking down shots. Nickel's double-double was a key factor in Vanderbilt's victory, as he provided a strong presence in the paint and on the glass. Miles's 5 assists also helped to facilitate the Commodores' offense, which has been one of the most potent in the country this season.
Mackinnon's 27 points were a valiant effort, but it wasn't enough to overcome Vanderbilt's collective performance. Marquel Sutton added 13 points and 6 rebounds for the Tigers, but they were unable to slow down the Commodores' offense. LSU's 13-7 record is still respectable, but they must find ways to contain high-scoring teams like Vanderbilt if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament.
This victory was a Quadrant 2 win for Vanderbilt, which should help to bolster their already impressive resume. As a Quadrant 1 opponent for LSU, the loss won't hurt the Tigers' chances too much, but it does highlight the need for them to perform better against top-tier teams. Vanderbilt's 13th-ranked net rating will likely remain steady, and they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the college basketball landscape.
The Commodores' strong performance is a reflection of their depth and talent. With multiple players capable of scoring in double figures, they are a difficult team to prepare for and defend. As the season wears on, Vanderbilt want to continue their winning ways and make a push for a high seed in the tournament. For now, they can enjoy a hard-fought victory over a solid LSU team, and look forward to their next challenge.