Tennessee Edges Vanderbilt in Heated Rivalry Matchup

Volunteers defeat Commodores 69-65 in sold-out Memorial Gym showdown

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:05am

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In a highly anticipated SEC matchup, the Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 69-65 in a heated rivalry game played in front of a raucous crowd at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville. The game featured intense energy and physicality, with the Volunteers' star point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie leading the way with 17 points. Vanderbilt was led by Tyler Tanner's 16 points, but struggled with foul trouble and rebounding throughout the contest.

Why it matters

The rivalry between Vanderbilt and Tennessee is one of the oldest and most intense in the SEC, with the two programs separated by just 180 miles. This game highlighted the growing competitiveness of the Commodores, who have been closing the gap on their in-state rivals in recent years in both basketball and football. While Tennessee maintained its all-time series lead, the close nature of the game underscores Vanderbilt's continued rise as a force to be reckoned with in the conference.

The details

Tennessee was able to pull out the victory by effectively running a screen-and-flare offense to get Gillespie open looks, while also dominating the glass with a 39-30 rebounding advantage. Vanderbilt struggled with foul trouble, with three starters - AK Okereke, Jalen Washington and Devin McGlockton - finishing the game with four fouls each. The Commodores' defense, which has been stifling all season, was unable to completely slow down Gillespie and the Volunteers' attack.

  • The 210th all-time meeting between Vanderbilt and Tennessee took place on February 22, 2026.
  • Vanderbilt will wrap up its home schedule this Wednesday, February 26, against Georgia.
  • The Commodores will conclude their regular season with three consecutive road games, including a March 7 matchup at Tennessee.

The players

Ja'Kobi Gillespie

Tennessee's star point guard, who led the Volunteers with 17 points in the victory.

Tyler Tanner

Vanderbilt's leading scorer, finishing with 16 points in the losing effort.

Jaylen Carey

Former Vanderbilt player who transferred to Tennessee, and was booed by the Commodores crowd throughout the game.

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What they’re saying

“The atmosphere obviously was great, it's always great here.”

— Rick Barnes, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

Vanderbilt will look to bounce back in its final home game of the season on Wednesday against Georgia, before concluding the regular season with three straight road contests, including a rematch with Tennessee on March 7.

The takeaway

This heated rivalry game showcased the growing competitiveness of the Vanderbilt basketball program, which has been closing the gap on its in-state rival Tennessee in recent years. While the Volunteers maintained their all-time series lead, the close nature of the contest underscores the Commodores' continued rise as a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.