Vanderbilt Basketball Isn't Afraid of Anyone in the Country After Florida Win

Vanderbilt proved it can play with the best teams in the country after defeating No. 4 Florida in the SEC Tournament semifinals.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:50pm

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Vanderbilt's 91-74 victory over Florida in the SEC Tournament semifinals showed that the Commodores are not intimidated by any team in the country. Vanderbilt led for over 34 minutes and at one point had a 25-point lead, dominating the Gators in nearly every facet of the game. Vanderbilt players like Duke Miles and Jayden Leverett expressed confidence that their team can play with and beat any opponent, proving they are a national contender.

Why it matters

This win over a highly ranked Florida team demonstrates that Vanderbilt is capable of beating any opponent, even the top teams in the country. It shows the Commodores have the talent, toughness and belief in themselves to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, regardless of their seed.

The details

Vanderbilt guard Duke Miles hit a crucial four-point play late in the game, showing the team's fearlessness in taking on Florida's stifling defense. Vanderbilt led for over 34 minutes and at one point had a 25-point advantage, thoroughly outplaying the Gators. Vanderbilt's balanced scoring attack and stifling defense proved too much for the highly ranked Florida squad.

  • Vanderbilt led Florida for 34:42 of the game.
  • Vanderbilt led by as much as 25 points during the game.

The players

Duke Miles

A Vanderbilt guard who hit a crucial four-point play late in the game, demonstrating the team's fearlessness.

Jalen Washington

A Vanderbilt big man who set up Duke Miles for the four-point play.

Micah Handlogten

The Florida center who Duke Miles attempted the shot over, despite Handlogten's imposing size and wingspan.

Devin McGlockton

A Vanderbilt forward who celebrated on the bench during the team's victory over Florida.

Mark Byington

The Vanderbilt head coach who expressed confidence in his team's ability to beat any opponent in the country.

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What they’re saying

“You can't tell our guys that they can't beat anyone in the country. They just approach it that way. They act that way in everything they do.”

— Mark Byington, Vanderbilt Head Coach (Vandy on SI)

“It does send a message. But, at the same time we kind of expected it.”

— Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt Wing (Vandy on SI)

“That just shows how good we can be. We are a national contending team, and we can play with anyone.”

— Jayden Leverett, Vanderbilt Big Man (Vandy on SI)

“We're here to stay. We're a tough team, man.”

— Duke Miles (Vandy on SI)

What’s next

Vanderbilt will face the winner of the other SEC Tournament semifinal in the championship game on Sunday.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's dominant win over the highly ranked Florida Gators proves the Commodores are a national contender capable of beating any team in the country. Their fearless play and belief in themselves makes them a dangerous opponent for any opponent they face in the NCAA Tournament, regardless of their seed.