Vanderbilt Upsets Tennessee in SEC Tournament

No. 22 Commodores defeat No. 25 Volunteers to advance to semifinals

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:54pm

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The Vanderbilt Commodores, ranked No. 22 in the nation, defeated the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC Tournament. The victory allows Vanderbilt to advance to the tournament semifinals.

Why it matters

This matchup between two in-state rivals was a highly anticipated game in the SEC Tournament. Vanderbilt's upset win over Tennessee, a perennial basketball powerhouse, is a significant achievement that could boost the Commodores' chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Vanderbilt was led by sophomore guard Duke Miles, who scored a game-high 23 points to power the Commodores to the victory. Tennessee kept the game close throughout, but Vanderbilt was able to pull away late in the second half to secure the win.

  • The game was played on March 13, 2026 in the SEC Tournament.

The players

Duke Miles

A sophomore guard for the Vanderbilt Commodores who scored a game-high 23 points in the win over Tennessee.

Vanderbilt Commodores

The No. 22 ranked men's basketball team that defeated the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC Tournament.

Tennessee Volunteers

The No. 25 ranked men's basketball team that lost to Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for our program. Our guys really stepped up and played with a lot of heart and determination.”

— Jerry Stackhouse, Head Coach, Vanderbilt Commodores (dailymemphian.com)

“We just couldn't get it going offensively tonight. Vanderbilt deserved the win, they outplayed us in all facets of the game.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers (dailymemphian.com)

What’s next

Vanderbilt will advance to the SEC Tournament semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Kentucky-Florida matchup.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's upset victory over Tennessee in the SEC Tournament showcases the Commodores' potential and ability to compete with the conference's elite programs. This win could be a springboard for Vanderbilt to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially earn an NCAA Tournament bid.