Vanderbilt Basketball Feels They're Peaking at the Right Time

Commodores look to prove they're closer to the team that won at Tennessee than the one that had to grind it out.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Vanderbilt basketball is feeling confident heading into the SEC Tournament, with forward Tyler Nickel saying the team's expectation is to win the event. Head coach Mark Byington believes his team is playing its best basketball of the season, especially on the defensive end. The Commodores are looking to build on their recent win over Tennessee and make a deep run in the tournament.

Why it matters

Vanderbilt has had a successful 24-win season and is challenging the program's season wins record. A strong showing in the SEC Tournament could help the team secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament and continue their momentum heading into the postseason.

The details

Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel says the team now has more pride and belief that they can win the SEC Tournament, unlike a year ago when they were still closer to the bottom of the league. Head coach Mark Byington believes this is the best version of his team, with more weapons, ball movement, and versatility. The Commodores are coming off a big win over Tennessee, where they were the aggressor and nearly as physical as the Volunteers.

  • Vanderbilt won at Tennessee on March 7, 2026.
  • The SEC Tournament begins on March 13, 2026.

The players

Tyler Nickel

A Vanderbilt forward who believes the team's expectation is to win the SEC Tournament this year, unlike in previous seasons.

Mark Byington

The head coach of the Vanderbilt basketball team, who believes this is the best version of his team and that they are playing their best basketball at the right time.

Tyler Tanner

A Vanderbilt guard who says winning the SEC Tournament would be a big accomplishment, even though it's not their ultimate goal.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like no one really cared about it being a home thing for Vanderbilt for a long time because no one thought that we could actually win it. That's not just possible, but it's our expectation. So, there's definitely a little more pride now, knowing that we can really go out there and get it.”

— Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt Forward (si.com)

“I thought defensively, if you looked at us against Tennessee, I thought that was the best version we've been with this group in a while. We have more weapons, we can share the ball, we can pass, we're more versatile, and this is a group that we anticipate is our best group. And I'm glad they're rolling at the right time.”

— Mark Byington, Vanderbilt Head Coach (si.com)

“The SEC, I think, is the best conference in the country. Winning that would be really, really cool for us because it's something we've worked for the whole year. It's not our end goal, but it's definitely a stepping stone. It gets us where we want to be.”

— Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt Guard (si.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.