Commodores Hook Horns

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jaylen Carey’s career-high day of 18 points and 14 rebounds led Vanderbilt to an 86-78 victory over Texas on Saturday at Memorial Gymnasium. The Commodores earned their fifth SEC win of the season after four players scored in double-figures. 

Vanderbilt (17-6, 5-5 SEC) took a minute for its offense to wake up before going on a 10-0 run midway through the first half to build an eight-point lead on the Longhorns (15-9, 4-7 SEC). The Horns, however, would score 15 of the last 17 points before the break as the Dores entered the locker room down four. Vandy controlled the boards in the first half, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds for 11 second-chance points. Tyler Nickel, who totaled 17 points in the game, nailed three shots from beyond the arc in the half alone. 

Vanderbilt and Texas went back-and-forth to start the second half, with the Longhorns taking a 10-point advantage at the 14-minute mark. From there, AJ Hoggard and the Commodores came storming back to tie the game at 61 with six minutes remaining. Jayson Kent put Texas back in front with a free throw and a 3-pointer, only to see Jason Edwards score eight points as part of a 10-0 spurt that gave the Dores the lead for good and sealed their 12th home win of the year. 

Carey’s 18 points led the Commodore scoring effort Saturday. Edwards and Nickel each scored 17. Hoggard had 14 along with six assists, with Devin McGlockton and MJ Collins Jr. contributing eight and six rebounds, respectively, as well. 

Freshman Tre Johnson paced the Longhorns after recording 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Arthur Kaluma and Kadin Shedrick both went for 12 points.

The Dores finished with 17 offensive rebounds, which resulted in a 25-11 advantage in second-chance scoring, and 38 points in the paint.

Vanderbilt returns to Memorial Gymnasium on Tuesday to host No. 1 Auburn at 6 p.m.