Vanderbilt Tops Tennessee in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Food City Center
Vanderbilt Commodores 86, Tennessee Volunteers 82, 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 Tennessee Volunteers?
Vanderbilt Commodores beat Tennessee Volunteers 86-82 at Food City Center on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Vanderbilt Commodores vs Tennessee Volunteers?
Tennessee Volunteers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Vanderbilt Commodores edged out the Tennessee Volunteers with a final score of 86-82 at the Food City Center. This victory marked a significant moment for Vanderbilt, who improved their record to 25-7, while Tennessee fell to 21-11. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Vanderbilt managing to come back from a previous defeat against Tennessee just weeks prior.
Vanderbilt entered the game with a record of 24-7, having gone 6-4 in their last 10 games, and were on a one-game winning streak. They averaged 80.7 points scored and allowed 76.7 points during this stretch. Their recent form included a notable victory against Ole Miss Rebels, where they won 89-86, demonstrating their offensive capabilities.
On the other hand, Tennessee had a record of 21-10, with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games, also on a one-game winning streak. The Volunteers averaged 75.2 points scored and 67.0 points allowed in this timeframe, showing a solid defensive performance. Their last game resulted in a convincing win against South Carolina Gamecocks, where they triumphed 78-59.
When comparing home and away performances, Tennessee had a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while Vanderbilt's away record stood at 2-2. This fixture was particularly intriguing as both teams had met previously in the season, with Tennessee winning 69-65 on February 21, 2026. Historically, in their last three meetings, Tennessee led the series 2-1, but Vanderbilt's recent victory could signal a shift in momentum.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams would have been keen to field their strongest lineups for such a crucial game. The market had Vanderbilt as the underdog with odds of +130 on the money line, while Tennessee was favored at -155 according to DraftKings. The spread was set at -2.5 for Tennessee, with a total of 146.5 points.
The conditions at the Food City Center were typical for a late-season college basketball game, with both teams eager to secure a win as they approached the postseason. Viewers were treated to a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive talents. Key moments included several successful free throws by Vanderbilt in the closing minutes, which ultimately sealed their victory.
As the game progressed, Vanderbilt's ability to capitalize on free throws became crucial. Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Tyler Nickel were instrumental in maintaining their lead, with Gillespie contributing key layups and free throws. The final moments saw Vanderbilt extend their lead to 86-80 before Tennessee managed a late layup to bring the score to 86-82, but it was too late for a comeback.
In conclusion, this matchup between Vanderbilt and Tennessee not only highlighted the competitive nature of NCAAB but also set the stage for an exciting postseason. Vanderbilt's victory over Tennessee may serve as a confidence booster as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TENN -2.5 | 146.5 o -110 / u -110 | Vanderbilt Commodores +130 · Tennessee Volunteers -155 |
Leaders
- PointsAmari Evans24Tennessee Volunteers
- AssistsJa'Kobi Gillespie4Tennessee Volunteers
- ReboundsJ.P. Estrella10Tennessee Volunteers
- PointsTyler Tanner25Vanderbilt Commodores
- AssistsTyler Tanner3Vanderbilt Commodores
- ReboundsJalen Washington8Vanderbilt Commodores
Recent form
Tennessee Volunteers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W175.2 scored · 67 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W78-59at South Carolina GamecocksMar 3
- L69-71vs Alabama Crimson TideFeb 28
- L69-73at Missouri TigersFeb 25
- W69-65at Vanderbilt CommodoresFeb 21
- 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
Vanderbilt Commodores
Last 10: 6-4Streak W180.7 scored · 76.7 allowed per game2-2 away
- W89-86at Ole Miss RebelsMar 4
- L77-91at Kentucky WildcatsFeb 28
- W88-80vs Georgia BulldogsFeb 26
- L65-69vs Tennessee VolunteersFeb 21
- 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
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 | Tennessee Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-51 | 31-70 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 5-10 | 6-24 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 25 |
| Free throws | 27-32 | 14-21 |
| Free throw % | 84 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 22 |
| Assists | 10 | 15 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 40 |
| Fouls | 19 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half59-49Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-49Tyler Tanner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-49Tyler Tanner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-50Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-50Chandler Bing makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half63-53Amari Evans makes 24-foot three point jumper (Bishop Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half65-53Chandler Bing makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half65-55Felix Okpara makes 5-foot dunk (J.P. Estrella assists)
- 2nd Half65-57Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes driving layup (Bishop Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half66-57Duke Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-57Duke Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-57Tyler Nickel makes 19-foot jumper (AK Okereke assists)
- 2nd Half69-59J.P. Estrella makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half69-60Amari Evans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-61Amari Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-64Amari Evans makes 28-foot three point jumper (J.P. Estrella assists)
- 2nd Half72-64Chandler Bing makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half74-64Tyler Tanner makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-66J.P. Estrella makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot (Bishop Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half76-66AK Okereke makes 19-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half76-68J.P. Estrella makes layup
- 2nd Half77-68AK Okereke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-71J.P. Estrella makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half78-71Duke Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-71Duke Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-73J.P. Estrella makes 4-foot dunk (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half80-73AK Okereke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-74Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-75Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-75Duke Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-75Duke Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-76Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-77Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-78Amaree Abram makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-78Tyler Nickel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-78Tyler Nickel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-80Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes driving layup
- 2nd Half85-80Tyler Tanner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-80Tyler Tanner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-82Felix Okpara makes layup (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Tennessee Volunteers, below favours Vanderbilt Commodores.
Venue
- Food City CenterKnoxville, TN
- Attendance19654
- OfficialsGarrick Shannon, Bart Lenox, Olandis Poole
Elsewhere
- Projecting every Big East team's floor and ceiling for 2026-27
- 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