Vanderbilt's Depth Shines Amidst Injuries Ahead of Missouri Showdown
Vanderbilt has demonstrated remarkable resilience, securing victories in five of their last six Southeastern Conference matchups despite significant roster challenges. The No. 19 Commodores (21-4, 8-4 SEC) are set to further evaluate their team's depth as they journey to Columbia, Missouri, to face the Missouri Tigers (17-8, 7-5) on Wednesday evening. This crucial SEC contest will test both teams' resolve as they navigate the latter stages of the conference season.
The Commodores are currently navigating a period of adversity with two key guards sidelined due to knee injuries. Duke Miles has been out of action since January 24th, while Frankie Collins has been unavailable since December 17th. In response to these absences, Tyler Tanner has elevated his performance, averaging an impressive 25.8 points over a recent five-game stretch. His ability to step up has been instrumental in maintaining the team's competitive edge.
Commodores Rally as Tanner Faces Foul Trouble
Saturday’s 82-69 victory over Texas A&M showcased the team’s collective strength. While Tanner encountered foul trouble, limiting him to just four points, other players seized the opportunity to contribute significantly. Tyler Nickel led the scoring effort with 25 points, while AK Okereke assumed increased ball-handling responsibilities and added 23 points to the tally. Chandler Bing provided valuable support off the bench, scoring 11 points. "Other guys are capable," stated Commodores coach Mark Byington, highlighting the team's depth and selflessness. "This team celebrates each other. No one's happier in the locker room than Tyler Tanner or anybody else. And that's why I like this group. They care about winning."
Miles, who contributes an average of 16.6 points per game, is progressing in his rehabilitation and remains a possibility for Wednesday’s game, though his status is still uncertain. "Duke’s attacking his rehab," Byington explained. "He’s doing workouts and things like that. He’s competitive. He wants to get back to being a great teammate. I think we'll have him back soon. It's hard to give a timetable, but I think within a week or two for sure."
Missouri Seeks to Recover After Home Loss
Meanwhile, Missouri experienced a setback over the weekend, dropping to No. 66 in the NET rankings following an 85-68 defeat at home against Texas. This loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Tigers and represented only their second loss at Mizzou Arena this season. "It's not always as good as you think it is, and it's not always as bad as you think it is," remarked Tigers coach Dennis Gates. "Ultimately, we've gotta bounce back and be able to flush the game."
A recurring challenge for Missouri has been Shawn Phillips Jr.’s foul trouble. Against Texas, he was limited to just 18 minutes, scoring five points and grabbing two rebounds. Gates acknowledged Phillips’ importance, stating, "Shawn is a defensive presence for us. He gives us, definitely, athleticism around the basket." He also addressed the issue of flagrant fouls, noting that Phillips leads the nation in this category and needs to adjust his reactions to avoid unnecessary penalties.
