Vanderbilt basketball’s three Tylers — Tanner, Harris and Nickel — played a pivotal role in the Commodores’ performance during their game against Florida on January 17. Each of them contributed to tying the score and giving Vanderbilt an advantage throughout the match. However, despite their efforts, the 20th-ranked Gators (13-5, 4-1 SEC) managed to secure the win with a final 6-0 run in the last 45 seconds, leading to a 98-94 loss for the No. 8 Commodores (16-2, 3-2). This marked the team’s second consecutive loss and their second overall this season, following a program-best-tying 16-0 start.

Nickel, who had multiple instances of putting the Commodores ahead or tying the game, ended the game with 14 points and a heavy dose of disappointment. He expressed his frustration after the game, stating:

“It would be one thing if it was an effort thing or something like that, and we could point to that. We didn’t play perfect, but I don’t think they’re a better team than us. So it’s real frustrating.”

To avoid a third straight loss, the Commodores will need to defeat No. 17 Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on January 20. They previously fell to Texas with a score of 80-64 on January 14.

Tyler Tanner’s Missed Game-Tying Shot

Tanner, who was responsible for giving the Commodores a lead twice and finished with a team-high 20 points and five assists, missed a crucial opportunity in the final moments of the game. With seven seconds left, he attempted a shot that bounced off the backboard and did not go into the rim. A Florida defender was seen hanging from his jersey at the time.

This strategy was part of the plan, as Tanner explained:

“The refs were calling some fouls throughout the game down in the paint,” Tanner said. “(Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington) said to try to get down there and draw a foul. And I ended up missing it.”

Byington, however, expressed confidence in Tanner, stating that he wouldn’t want the ball in anyone else’s hands in that situation.

Exhibit A: A Key Moment in the Game

One of the most notable moments in the game came when Tanner scored a layup with 1:39 remaining in the first half, giving the Commodores a 41-40 lead. This moment marked a comeback from an 11-point deficit, which was a season-high for the team.

“I have plenty of evidence to trust in Tyler Tanner,” Byington said. “And I’ll put the ball in his hands again next time.”

Mark Byington’s Perspective on the Loss

Byington also highlighted the contributions of other players, including Harris, who tied the score at 90-90 with two free throws with 2:46 left, and Jalen Washington, who gave the Commodores a lead four times while scoring 14 points. Additionally, AK Okereke contributed significantly with 15 points, more than doubling his season average.

“It was a high-level game,” Byington said. “I wanted to win. Our guys wanted to win desperately. It’s also January 17. Sometimes a game like this, we’ll be able to pick out some things on how to be able to make improvements, especially on the film. You want to be your best in March. This kind of game shows you things. It shows that we’re right there. The frustrating thing is, we’re right there and didn’t do it.”