Vanderbilt's Gritty Win, Nebraska Ahead

0:00On March 20, Vanderbilt kicked off the NCAA tournament with a gritty win over McNeese, marking their first victory in the big dance since the 20. 11-12 season. This is just the 11th tournament win in program history. Tyler Tanner led the charge with 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists, including clutch three pointers and a dagger drive late in the game. The team shook off a sluggish start and an early 11-point deficit, facing big momentum swings in the first 25 minutes. Coach Mark Beignton noted they were a step slow at the tip, but Vanderbilt found their rhythm and pulled away in the second half. Experience from last week's SEC tournament grind in Nashville helped them handle the pressure, especially with some players shaking off first round, nerves from last year. Fans and analysts are buzzing about the response under pressure, especially after upsets like high point over Wisconsin. Will Purdue, a Vanderbilt alum and Nashville basketball initiative leader, praise the coaching staff's pride in how the team grew during the game.

1:03It's a huge milestone for a program that's been hungry for these moments. Key stats showed Vanderbilt's strengths and struggles, like outrebounding McNeese despite giving up 16 offensive boards and assists on 14. Of their first 16-mate shots for quality looks. They got beat in transition, but solid ball distribution made the difference. Next up is Nebraska in the second round, a well-coached squad under Fred Hoyberg that's efficient, but lacks depth and inside punch. Vanderbilt's front court trio needs to dominate, and Tanner faces a tough match up against Hoyberg's son. With SEC road battles in their rearview, they're primed for the crowd in Oklahoma City.