Vanderbilt Tops McNeese for First NCAA Tournament Win Since 2012

Commodores advance to face Nebraska in the South Region

Mar. 20, 2026 at 3:35am

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Tyler Tanner scored 26 points to lead No. 5 seed Vanderbilt to a 78-68 victory over No. 12 seed McNeese in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It was Vanderbilt's first tournament win since 2012. Devin McGlockton added 12 points on perfect shooting for the Commodores, who shot 51% from the field. Garwey Dual led McNeese with 16 points, but the Cowboys shot just 36.2% and were outrebounded.

Why it matters

Vanderbilt's victory ends a long NCAA Tournament drought for the program, which last won a tournament game in 2012. The Commodores will now face Nebraska, who won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game by defeating Troy. This matchup in the South Region sets up an intriguing second-round battle.

The details

Vanderbilt led 38-35 at halftime, with 10 points from McGlockton. The Commodores then used a 7-0 run early in the second half to build a 10-point lead. McNeese got as close as three points, but a 3-pointer by Tyler Tanner helped Vanderbilt pull away late. The Cowboys were hurt by a 6:30 field goal drought and the loss of Tyshawn Archie to a cramp in the final minutes.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 20, 2026 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
  • Vanderbilt's last NCAA Tournament win was in 2012.

The players

Tyler Tanner

A Vanderbilt player who scored a team-high 26 points, with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

Devin McGlockton

A Vanderbilt player who scored 12 points on perfect 6-of-6 shooting and grabbed 8 rebounds.

Garwey Dual

A McNeese player who led the Cowboys with 16 points and 6 assists.

Larry Johnson

The Southland Conference Player of the Year for McNeese, who scored 15 points but shot just 4-for-17 from the field.

Tyshawn Archie

A first-team All-Southland guard for McNeese who left the game with a cramp and did not return.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Vanderbilt will face Nebraska on Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cornhuskers won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game by defeating Troy 76-47.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's victory ends a long NCAA Tournament drought for the program, which last won a tournament game in 2012. The Commodores will now have the opportunity to advance further in the tournament, setting up an intriguing second-round matchup with Nebraska, who won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game.