Mizzou Faces Tough Test Against No. 19 Vanderbilt

Missouri looks to bounce back from home loss as it hosts high-scoring Commodores

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Missouri's men's basketball team is facing a crucial stretch in its conference play, hosting No. 19 Vanderbilt on Wednesday before traveling to take on No. 20 Arkansas on Saturday. The Tigers are looking to rebound after a home loss to Texas, while the Commodores have been one of the most improved teams in the SEC this season, averaging 87 points per game over their last five wins.

Why it matters

This matchup could be a pivotal moment in Missouri's season, as the Tigers try to solidify their position on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Vanderbilt's high-powered offense presents a major challenge, and Missouri will need to find more consistency on both ends of the floor to pull off the home win.

The details

Vanderbilt has won five of its last six games, led by sophomore guard Tyler Tanner, who is averaging 20.75 points per game in SEC play and is one of the top defensive players in the country. Missouri will need to find a way to slow down Tanner and Vanderbilt's potent offense, which has scored 94 points against Florida and 80 against Kentucky, two of the top defensive teams in the conference.

  • Missouri hosts Vanderbilt on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Missouri travels to face Arkansas on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Tyler Tanner

Vanderbilt's sophomore guard is one of the most improved players in the country, averaging 20.75 points per game in SEC play and ranking 9th nationally with 2.5 steals per game.

T.O. Barrett

Missouri's physical guard will be tasked with matching up against Tanner in a key individual battle.

Jacob Crews

Missouri's forward expects the Tigers' interior offense to be challenged by Vanderbilt's defense, which is one of the best in the country at not allowing rim shots.

Dennis Gates

Missouri's head coach is emphasizing the need for his team to play 40 minutes of consistent basketball, after they showed flashes of their potential but struggled with consistency in the loss to Texas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They're a tremendous team when it comes down to scoring. They've been that through the entire year.”

— Dennis Gates, Missouri Head Coach (si.com)

“Tyler Tanner is one of the most improved players in the country. His speed, his quickness, very seldom does he make mistakes, being able to not only make decisions quick, but being able to get his team involved.”

— Dennis Gates, Missouri Head Coach (si.com)

“They push the ball, they don't allow rim shots. They're one of the best in country at not allowing rim shots. So obviously, we're really good at getting rim shots, and I think that's going to be really where the battle is won.”

— Jacob Crews, Missouri Forward (si.com)

What’s next

The outcome of Wednesday's game against Vanderbilt will be crucial for Missouri's NCAA Tournament hopes, as the Tigers look to bounce back from their home loss to Texas. A win over the 19th-ranked Commodores would be a major boost for Missouri's resume.

The takeaway

This matchup between Missouri and Vanderbilt highlights the challenges the Tigers face in trying to solidify their spot on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Missouri will need to find a way to slow down Vanderbilt's high-powered offense and play with more consistency if they hope to pull off the home win and keep their postseason hopes alive.