Vanderbilt basketball faced a crushing defeat against Arkansas, losing 98-63 on January 20, marking their third consecutive loss and the most significant setback of the season. The Commodores, who started the season strong with a 16-0 record, have now suffered defeats to Texas, Florida, and No. 20 Arkansas, with their recent performances showing a concerning trend of allowing over 90 points in the last two games.
Coach Mark Byington expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, describing it as “embarrassing” during the postgame radio show. He noted a clear lack of competitiveness and toughness from his squad, which was evident as they were out-rebounded 39-27 and outscored 50-22 in the paint. “I didn’t do a good job prepping them,” Byington admitted, emphasizing a need for a re-evaluation of the team’s mental approach prior to the game.
Tyler Nickel led the Commodores with 17 points, all scored during the first half. Despite narrowing the gap to 11 points by halftime, the team could not sustain the momentum as the Razorbacks, boasting a roster of elite athletes including five-star recruits like Darius Acuff, took control of the game. Acuff contributed 17 points, while Karter Knox and Malique Ewin added 16 points each, showcasing the overwhelming athleticism of the Arkansas team.
Vanderbilt’s defensive struggles were highlighted by Coach Byington, who lamented the team’s passive approach. “There was nothing we could do to stop them,” he reflected, noting unsuccessful attempts at various defensive strategies. Unlike past games where foul issues hindered their play, this time Byington suggested that a more aggressive approach, even if it meant committing more fouls, might have been preferable to allowing open shots.
In addition to Nickel’s performance, Tyler Tanner had a challenging night, with a minus-36 point differential while he was on the floor, scoring 11 points on 3-for-10 shooting. Duke Miles also struggled, finishing with just five points on 1-for-7 shooting.
With the road ahead looking challenging, Vanderbilt must regroup before their next game on January 24 against Mississippi State. Byington is determined to address the flaws evident in their latest outing, stating, “We’ve got to get back to work, put our finger on exactly the things that went wrong.” The coaching staff aims to implement necessary changes to get the team back on track and restore confidence moving forward.