Tennessee Volunteers Edge Vanderbilt Commodores in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Memorial Gymnasium (TN)
Tennessee Volunteers 69, Vanderbilt Commodores 65, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Tennessee Volunteers vs Vanderbilt Commodores?
Tennessee Volunteers beat Vanderbilt Commodores 69-65 at Memorial Gymnasium (TN) on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Tennessee Volunteers vs Vanderbilt Commodores?
Vanderbilt Commodores were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 69-65 at Memorial Gymnasium on February 21, 2026. This victory marked Tennessee's third consecutive win, improving their record to 21-7, while Vanderbilt fell to 21-7, snapping a one-game losing streak.
Both teams entered the game with solid performances in their recent outings. Vanderbilt had a mixed record of 5-5 over their last ten games, with an average of 80.2 points scored and 76.8 points allowed. Their last five games showed a slight improvement, as they averaged 81.6 points scored while allowing 77.2 points. In contrast, Tennessee had been on a roll, winning 8 of their last 10 games, with an average of 79.7 points scored and 72.2 points allowed. Their last five games featured an even stronger performance, averaging 78.0 points scored and only 66.6 points allowed.
When considering home and away performances, Vanderbilt had a home record of 3-2 in their last five games, while Tennessee boasted a 5-1 record at home during the same span. The matchup also featured a competitive head-to-head history, with each team winning once in their previous two meetings during the 2025 season. Vanderbilt had previously won 76-75 at home, while Tennessee took the earlier encounter 81-76.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details about player availability, but both teams were expected to field their best lineups for this crucial contest.
The betting market reflected a close matchup, with DraftKings listing Vanderbilt as a 2.5-point favorite. The total points for the game were set at 150.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The odds for Vanderbilt to win outright were -155.0, while Tennessee's moneyline was set at 130.0.
The game conditions were typical for a late February evening in Tennessee, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. Vanderbilt's offensive strategy relied on their scoring ability, averaging over 80 points, while Tennessee's recent defensive form made them a formidable opponent.
As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were eager to assert dominance. The scoring plays highlighted the intensity of the final moments, with Bishop Boswell and Tyler Tanner making critical shots to keep the game competitive. Ultimately, it was a series of free throws from Tennessee that sealed their victory, showcasing their composure under pressure.
Fans watching the game were treated to a thrilling display of college basketball, with both teams demonstrating skill and determination. The final score of 69-65 in favor of Tennessee reflects the competitive nature of this rivalry, setting the stage for future encounters.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | VAN -2.5 | 150.5 o -105 / u -115 | Tennessee Volunteers +130 · Vanderbilt Commodores -155 |
Leaders
- PointsTyler Tanner16Vanderbilt Commodores
- AssistsDuke Miles6Vanderbilt Commodores
- ReboundsJalen Washington10Vanderbilt Commodores
- PointsJa'Kobi Gillespie17Tennessee Volunteers
- AssistsBishop Boswell4Tennessee Volunteers
- ReboundsNate Ament9Tennessee Volunteers
Recent form
Vanderbilt Commodores
Last 10: 5-5Streak L180.2 scored · 76.8 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L80-81at Missouri TigersFeb 19
- W82-69vs Texas A&M AggiesFeb 14
- W84-76at Auburn TigersFeb 11
- L91-92vs Oklahoma SoonersFeb 7
- W71-68vs Ole Miss RebelsJan 31
- W80-55vs Kentucky WildcatsJan 28
- W88-56at Mississippi State BulldogsJan 24
- L68-93at Arkansas RazorbacksJan 21
- L94-98vs Florida GatorsJan 17
- L64-80at Texas LonghornsJan 15
Tennessee Volunteers
Last 10: 8-2Streak W379.7 scored · 72.2 allowed per game3-1 away
- W89-66vs Oklahoma SoonersFeb 19
- W73-63vs LSU TigersFeb 14
- W73-64at Mississippi State BulldogsFeb 12
- L71-74at Kentucky WildcatsFeb 8
- W84-66vs Ole Miss RebelsFeb 4
- W77-69vs Auburn TigersFeb 1
- W86-85at Georgia BulldogsJan 29
- W79-73at Alabama Crimson TideJan 25
- L78-80vs Kentucky WildcatsJan 17
- W87-82vs Texas A&M AggiesJan 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Tennessee Volunteers | Vanderbilt Commodores |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-58 | 22-53 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 4-12 | 9-23 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 39 |
| Free throws | 15-21 | 12-18 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 22 |
| Assists | 8 | 13 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 3 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 22 |
| Fouls | 17 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 20 | 20 |
| Time in front | 32 | 59 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half31-35AK Okereke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-35DeWayne Brown II makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half35-35DeWayne Brown II makes 6-foot dunk (Bishop Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half36-35Bishop Boswell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-35Jaylen Carey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-38Tyler Tanner makes 31-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half38-38Jaylen Carey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-38Jaylen Carey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-40Jalen Washington makes 6-foot dunk (Duke Miles assists)
- 2nd Half39-41Duke Miles makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half39-42Duke Miles makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half39-44AK Okereke makes driving layup (Duke Miles assists)
- 2nd Half39-45AK Okereke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-46AK Okereke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-46Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ethan Burg assists)
- 2nd Half42-49Duke Miles makes 30-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half45-49Nate Ament makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half47-49DeWayne Brown II makes layup (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half47-51AK Okereke makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half48-51Nate Ament makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-51Nate Ament makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-51Ethan Burg makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-51DeWayne Brown II makes layup
- 2nd Half53-53Jalen Washington makes 12-foot jumper (Chandler Bing assists)
- 2nd Half54-53Nate Ament makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-53Nate Ament makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-53Amari Evans makes layup
- 2nd Half57-55Chandler Bing makes layup (Duke Miles assists)
- 2nd Half57-58Tyler Nickel makes 29-foot three point step back jumpshot (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half57-60Devin McGlockton makes layup (Duke Miles assists)
- 2nd Half60-60Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes 28-foot three point jumper (Bishop Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half60-63Duke Miles makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half62-63Bishop Boswell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-63Bishop Boswell makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half64-64Tyler Tanner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-65Tyler Tanner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-65Nate Ament makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half67-65Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-65Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-65Amari Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Vanderbilt Commodores, below favours Tennessee Volunteers.
Venue
- Memorial Gymnasium (TN)Nashville, TN
- Attendance14316
- OfficialsJoe Lindsay, Rob Rorke, Owen Shortt
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond