Vanderbilt Defeats Alabama 96-90, Remains Unbeaten in SEC Play

No. 11 Vanderbilt University solidified its status as a formidable contender in college basketball with a thrilling 96-90 victory over No. 13 Alabama on January 7, 2026. The game took place in the lively atmosphere of Memorial Gym, where the Commodores improved their record to 15-0 overall and 2-0 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play.

The match showcased an intense back-and-forth battle, with both teams tied at halftime. However, Vanderbilt, under the leadership of Mark Byington, gradually pulled ahead in the second half. The Commodores extended their lead to double digits in the final minutes, demonstrating their resilience and skill on the court.

Tyler Tanner was the standout performer for Vanderbilt, scoring an impressive 29 points, while Duke Miles contributed 19 points to the victory. For Alabama, led by Nate Oats, Amari Allen was the leading scorer with 25 points, and Aden Holloway added 22 points.

A critical moment in the game occurred when Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr. exited the match with 16:06 remaining due to a knee injury. Philon had scored 18 points in just 20 minutes of play, significantly impacting Alabama’s performance after his departure, as he managed only three points in the second half.

Vanderbilt’s victory places them among just six unbeaten teams in college basketball, raising expectations for the remainder of the season.

Looking ahead, Vanderbilt has a favorable opportunity to enhance its SEC record to 3-0 when they host a struggling LSU team that currently sits at 0-2 in conference play. Meanwhile, Alabama will face another challenging matchup, hosting Texas, which is also seeking its first SEC win this season.

This win not only bolsters Vanderbilt’s confidence but also signals their potential to compete at the highest level, making them a team to watch as the season progresses. The Commodores’ performance against Alabama has certainly set the stage for what could be a remarkable season in college basketball.