Vanderbilt Basketball Overcomes Adversity in Win Over Texas A&M

The Commodores won convincingly despite missing key players and their leading scorer having an off night.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Vanderbilt basketball defeated Texas A&M 82-69 on Saturday despite being without two guards and having their leading scorer Tyler Tanner held to just 4 points on 20% shooting. The Commodores got strong performances from Tyler Nickel (25 points), AK Okereke (23 points), and Devin McGlockton (17 points) to secure the victory. Vanderbilt's depth and collective team effort were on full display as they overcame the various obstacles they faced.

Why it matters

Vanderbilt's ability to win convincingly despite missing key players and their leading scorer struggling shows the depth and character of the team. It highlights their ability to make adjustments and have different players step up when needed, which will be crucial as they continue their season.

The details

Vanderbilt was without guards Duke Miles and Frankie Collin, and held Tyler Tanner to just 4 points on 20% shooting. However, the Commodores got big games from Tyler Nickel (25 points, 8-14 FG, 5-11 3PT), AK Okereke (23 points), and Devin McGlockton (17 points). Vanderbilt also outrebounded Texas A&M 40-39 and used second chance opportunities in the first half to build their lead.

  • The game was played on Saturday at Memorial Gymnasium.

The players

Tyler Nickel

A Vanderbilt player who led the team with 25 points on 8-14 shooting and 5-11 from three-point range.

AK Okereke

A Vanderbilt player who scored 23 points in the win.

Devin McGlockton

A Vanderbilt player who scored 17 points in the victory.

Tyler Tanner

Vanderbilt's leading scorer who was held to just 4 points on 20% shooting in the game.

Duke Miles

A Vanderbilt guard who was unable to play in the game.

Frankie Collin

A Vanderbilt guard who was unable to play in the game.

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What they’re saying

“It just speaks to how deep we are as a team. I've been saying it for a while, but every team has guys with roles that's best for them to win. But we have a lot of talented guys on this team, and every night it could be a different guy stepping up. And tonight is one of those nights.”

— Tyler Nickel (si.com)

“It says he doesn't have to go out and get 20 for us to win. Other guys are capable. This team celebrates with each other. No one's happier in that locker room than Tyler Tanner. And that's why I like this group. They care about winning and they care about each other.”

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

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's ability to win convincingly despite missing key players and their leading scorer struggling shows the depth, character, and versatility of this Commodores team. They proved they can win in different ways, with different players stepping up, which will serve them well as they continue their season.