CHARLESTON, S.C. — Tyler Nickel sank a career-high six three-pointers on Friday as Vanderbilt men’s basketball took down Seton Hall, 76-60, on Friday night to advance to the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic final.
Nickel tied his career high of 24 points and added four rebounds while Devin McGlockton and Jason Edwards also finished in double figures with 13 and 10, respectively. AJ Hoggard contributed seven points and six assists in the 16-point victory. Jaylen Carey had six points and eight rebounds.
Vanderbilt (6-0) and Seton Hall traded baskets for the opening 12 minutes of the first half before the Commodores went on an 11-point run to go up 26-15. The Dores grew the lead to 15 before eventually heading into half up 38-28.
The Commodores came out of the break hot, pushing the offense and expanding the lead to 20 points midway through the second period. Vanderbilt never let the Pirates back into the game, closing out the semifinal match with ease.
The Dores shot 52 percent from the field in the victory and knocked down 10 three-pointers against the nation’s best scoring defense heading into the day. Vanderbilt’s 6-0 start is its best since the 2007-08 season.
Isaiah Coleman led the Pirates with 20 points and four rebounds. Vanderbilt forced 16 Seton Hall turnovers in the win.
Vanderbilt will play in the final against Drake on Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
