No. 24 Vanderbilt Seeks Revenge Against No. 23 Tennessee

The in-state rivals are playing for a shot at the No. 4 seed and a double-bye in next week's SEC tournament.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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No. 24 Vanderbilt looks to avenge its earlier loss to No. 23 Tennessee when the Commodores visit the Volunteers on Saturday in the teams' regular-season finale. The Vols won the previous matchup 69-65 on Feb. 21, but Vanderbilt has improved its health since then with the return of leading scorer Duke Miles.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for seeding in the upcoming SEC tournament, with the winner earning the No. 4 seed and a valuable double-bye. Both teams are looking to build momentum heading into the postseason.

The details

Tennessee has won 8 of its last 9 games, but has dropped its last two. The Vols are led by Nate Ament, who hit the game-winning shot in the previous matchup, as well as J.P. Estrella and Felix Okpara. Vanderbilt is led by Tyler Tanner, who had a huge game in the Commodores' recent overtime win at Ole Miss. The Commodores struggled with Tennessee's size and physicality in the first meeting, but are hoping improved health will help them pull off the upset.

  • The teams played on Feb. 21, with Tennessee winning 69-65.
  • The rematch is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Nate Ament

Tennessee's leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, who hit the game-winning shot in the previous matchup against Vanderbilt.

J.P. Estrella

Tennessee's 6-foot-11 reserve who scored 22 points in the Vols' recent win over South Carolina.

Duke Miles

Vanderbilt's second-leading scorer, who has returned from injury and is helping take pressure off Tyler Tanner.

Tyler Tanner

Vanderbilt's leading scorer, who had a huge game in the Commodores' recent overtime win at Ole Miss.

Jalen Washington

Vanderbilt's big man who has struggled with physical play, but will need to step up against Tennessee's size.

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What’s next

The winner of Saturday's game will earn the No. 4 seed and a double-bye in the SEC tournament next week.

The takeaway

This in-state rivalry matchup between two ranked teams has major implications for postseason seeding, with both squads looking to build momentum heading into the conference tournament. Vanderbilt's improved health could give them a chance to avenge their earlier loss and pull off the upset on the road.