Missouri Tigers Edge Vanderbilt Commodores in Thrilling Finish
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Mizzou Arena
Missouri Tigers 81, Vanderbilt Commodores 80, 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 Vanderbilt Commodores vs Missouri Tigers?
Missouri Tigers beat Vanderbilt Commodores 81-80 at Mizzou Arena on February 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Vanderbilt Commodores vs Missouri Tigers?
Vanderbilt Commodores were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The underdog won.
In a nail-biting contest at Mizzou Arena, the Missouri Tigers triumphed over the Vanderbilt Commodores with a final score of 81-80. This matchup was significant not only for its close finish but also for the implications it held in the NCAAB landscape, as both teams are vying for favorable positioning as the season progresses.
The Tigers entered the game with a home record of 18-8, while the Commodores boasted a strong away record of 21-5. Missouri's recent form had been mixed, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games and a current streak of one loss. They averaged 76.3 points scored per game but also allowed an average of 78.7 points, indicating a struggle on the defensive end. Their last five games saw them scoring an average of 76.0 points while allowing 79.6, highlighting their vulnerability.
In contrast, Vanderbilt came into the game riding a two-game winning streak, having won six of their last ten. They averaged 80.6 points scored during this stretch, while allowing 76.0 points. Their recent performances have shown a notable offensive capability, particularly in their last five games where they averaged 81.6 points scored and only allowed 72.0 points.
The home court advantage for Missouri has been a factor this season, as they held a home record of 3-2 in their last five games. However, Vanderbilt's away record of 2-2 in the same timeframe indicates that they are capable of competing on the road. This matchup was the third meeting between the two teams, with the series tied at 1-1. In their previous encounters during the 2025 season, Missouri won 75-66 at home, while Vanderbilt claimed a 97-93 victory in a later matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but it is always a critical aspect to consider in close contests like this one. The absence of key players can significantly impact team performance, especially in high-stakes games.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Vanderbilt favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 154.5. The odds reflected an expectation of a competitive game, and the final score certainly delivered on that front.
Conditions on the day of the game were not detailed in the block, but factors such as crowd support and arena atmosphere can play a significant role in the outcome of college basketball games. Mizzou Arena is known for its lively environment, which likely contributed to the home team's performance.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a thrilling display of basketball. Key moments included Trent Pierce making crucial free throws and Tyler Tanner's layup that kept Vanderbilt in contention. The back-and-forth scoring in the final minutes showcased the intensity of the matchup, culminating in T.O. Barrett's successful free throws that pushed Missouri to a narrow lead.
The final moments saw Vanderbilt's Tyler Nickel attempt a long three-pointer that could have changed the outcome, but ultimately, Missouri held on for the victory. The close score and the dramatic shifts in momentum throughout the game made it a memorable encounter for fans and players alike.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | VAN -3.5 | 154.5 o -112 / u -108 | Vanderbilt Commodores -162 · Missouri Tigers +136 |
Leaders
- PointsJayden Stone19Missouri Tigers
- AssistsMark Mitchell Jr.9Missouri Tigers
- ReboundsJayden Stone7Missouri Tigers
- PointsTyler Tanner27Vanderbilt Commodores
- AssistsTyler Tanner5Vanderbilt Commodores
- ReboundsDevin McGlockton7Vanderbilt Commodores
Recent form
Missouri Tigers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L176.3 scored · 78.7 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L68-85vs Texas LonghornsFeb 15
- W86-85at Texas A&M AggiesFeb 12
- W78-59at South Carolina GamecocksFeb 7
- W84-79vs Mississippi State BulldogsJan 31
- L64-90at Alabama Crimson TideJan 28
- W88-87vs Oklahoma SoonersJan 24
- L72-74vs Georgia BulldogsJan 21
- L70-78at LSU TigersJan 17
- W84-74vs Auburn TigersJan 15
- L69-76at Ole Miss RebelsJan 10
Vanderbilt Commodores
Last 10: 6-4Streak W280.6 scored · 76 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- W84-73vs LSU TigersJan 10
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 | Vanderbilt Commodores | Missouri Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-65 | 23-52 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 10-25 | 10-20 |
| Three-point % | 40 | 50 |
| Free throws | 14-18 | 25-32 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 24 |
| Assists | 11 | 16 |
| Steals | 10 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 26 |
| Fouls | 21 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 18 | 80 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-57Anthony Robinson II makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half41-58Anthony Robinson II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-59Anthony Robinson II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-59Devin McGlockton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-60Trent Burns makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-60Tyler Tanner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-60Tyler Tanner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-62Anthony Robinson II makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half44-63Anthony Robinson II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-64Mark Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-65Anthony Robinson II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-65AK Okereke makes layup
- 2nd Half47-65Jayden Leverett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-65Jayden Leverett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-66T.O. Barrett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-67T.O. Barrett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-67Tyler Tanner makes layup
- 2nd Half51-67Tyler Tanner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half53-67Tyler Tanner makes layup
- 2nd Half54-67Tyler Tanner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-67Tyler Nickel makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half57-70Anthony Robinson II makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mark Mitchell assists)
- 2nd Half59-70AK Okereke makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-70AK Okereke makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyler Nickel assists)
- 2nd Half62-72Trent Pierce makes layup
- 2nd Half62-74Jayden Stone makes layup (Mark Mitchell assists)
- 2nd Half64-74Tyler Nickel makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-76Trent Pierce makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half67-76Tyler Tanner makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyler Nickel assists)
- 2nd Half70-76Chandler Bing makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half72-76AK Okereke makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half72-77Trent Pierce makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-78Trent Pierce makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-78Tyler Tanner makes layup
- 2nd Half75-78Tyler Tanner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half75-79Anthony Robinson II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-79Chandler Bing makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half77-80T.O. Barrett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-81T.O. Barrett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-81Tyler Nickel makes 25-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Missouri Tigers, below favours Vanderbilt Commodores.
Venue
- Mizzou ArenaColumbia, MO
- Attendance10234
- OfficialsByron Jarrett, Lucas Santos, K.B. Burdett Jr.
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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Vanderbilt Defeats Missouri in Close ContestOct 25, 2025