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Harrisonburg Today
By the People, for the People
Dick Vitale Praises Vanderbilt Coach After Upset Win Over Florida
Veteran college basketball analyst tips his cap to Mark Byington's Commodores after big SEC Tournament victory.
Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:40pm
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Long-time college basketball analyst Dick Vitale congratulated Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington for the Commodores' impressive 91-74 win over the top-ranked Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament. Vitale admitted he was surprised by the 17-point margin of victory, but gave Byington and the Vanderbilt team credit for the upset win.
Why it matters
Vanderbilt's victory over the heavily favored Florida squad is a significant accomplishment that boosts the Commodores' chances of making the NCAA Tournament. Byington's leadership has helped transform Vanderbilt into a contender in the SEC, and the praise from a respected figure like Vitale underscores the team's impressive performance.
The details
The No. 4 Vanderbilt Commodores pulled off the upset over the No. 1 Florida Gators on Saturday, advancing to the championship round of the SEC Tournament. Vanderbilt dominated the game, winning by a 17-point margin. Dick Vitale, the 86-year-old college basketball analyst, acknowledged that he was surprised by the lopsided score, but tipped his cap to Byington and the Vanderbilt team for the impressive victory.
- The Vanderbilt-Florida game took place on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
- Vanderbilt will play in the SEC Tournament championship game on March 15, 2026.
The players
Dick Vitale
An 86-year-old college basketball analyst known for his enthusiastic commentary and analysis of the sport.
Mark Byington
The 49-year-old head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores, who has led the team to a 26-7 record this season.
Todd Golden
The head coach of the Florida Gators, who Vitale believes will have his team ready for the NCAA Tournament despite the loss to Vanderbilt.
What they’re saying
“Wow, not shocked by Vanderbilt winning vs. Florida, but the margin surprises me as Vandy wins 91-74 [to go to the] SEC tourney – tip the hat to Coach Byington & the talented Vanderbilt TEAM. Gators now have time to mentally focus on the big prize and clean up their defensive deficiencies. Coach Todd Golden will have them ready for [the] March Madness Tournament.”
— Dick Vitale
What’s next
Vanderbilt will face the winner of the Arkansas-Ole Miss game in the SEC Tournament championship on March 15, 2026. The Commodores are in a strong position to earn an NCAA Tournament bid, which will be announced on Selection Sunday on March 15.
The takeaway
Vanderbilt's upset victory over the top-ranked Florida Gators, led by coach Mark Byington, has earned the team national recognition and praise from respected figures like Dick Vitale. The Commodores' impressive season has them poised for a potential NCAA Tournament berth, showcasing the program's growth under Byington's leadership.
