Memorial Magic: #11 Vanderbilt Beats LSU for Historic 16-0 Start

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For the first time in nearly two decades, the “Memorial Magic” is more than just a nostalgic phrase—it is a weekly reality. With an 84-73 victory over LSU on Saturday, January 10, the No. 11 Vanderbilt Commodores officially moved to 16-0, matching the best start in program history (2007-08) and solidifying their status as the biggest surprise in college basketball.

The turnaround under second-year head coach Mark Byington has been nothing short of a revolution. After years of struggling to find a consistent identity, the Commodores have emerged as a high-octane offensive juggernaut that is as fun to watch as it is difficult to stop.

The Byington Blueprint

When Mark Byington arrived from James Madison, he promised a brand of basketball that would “keep fans in their seats and opponents on their heels.” He has delivered. Vanderbilt currently ranks 8th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging a blistering 93.6 points per game.

The team’s identity is built on pace, spacing, and a “swarm” mentality on defense.

Elite Efficiency: The Commodores boast a top-10 offensive rating, fueled by a rotation that features five players averaging double figures.
Aggressive Defense: Vandy ranks in the top 25 nationally in both steals (9.9) and blocks (5.3) per game, turning defensive stops into transition buckets that electrify the Memorial Gym crowd.

The Breakout Star: Tyler Tanner

While the roster is deep, the catalyst for this 16-0 run has been freshman sensation Tyler Tanner. The Brentwood native has rapidly ascended from a local recruit to a national name.

The “Alabama” Statement: Earlier this week, Tanner dropped a career-high 29 points in a thrilling 96-90 win over #13 Alabama, proving he can thrive against elite SEC competition.
Consistency: Against LSU on Saturday, Tanner recorded his third consecutive 20-point game, showcasing a mature midrange game and an elite ability to draw fouls.

A Balanced Attack

Tanner isn’t alone. The veteran leadership and transfer portal additions have meshed perfectly:

Tyler Nickel: The sharpshooting forward has been a nightmare for defenses. He recently drained eight 3-pointers in a win over Wake Forest and posted a double-double (19 pts, 10 reb) in the LSU victory.
Duke Miles & Frankie Collins: The backcourt duo provides the steady hand and defensive grit necessary to navigate the SEC gauntlet.

Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball: 2025-26 Stats at a Glance

Category	Stat	National Rank
Record	16-0	T-1st
Points Per Game	93.6	8th
AP Ranking	No. 11	—
NET Ranking	No. 7	—

The “Gold Standard” in Nashville

Perhaps the most incredible part of this season is that Vanderbilt is the only program in the country with both its men’s and women’s teams still undefeated (both 16-0). Men’s coach Mark Byington and women’s coach Shea Ralph have fostered a culture of mutual support, often seen cheering for one another in the newly opened Huber Center.

The Road to History

Vanderbilt now turns its eyes toward Texas A&M. A win there would move them to 17-0, setting a new all-time program record for the best start to a season. While Coach Byington is quick to dismiss the “undefeated” talk as “coachspeak,” the city of Nashville is starting to believe that this isn’t just a hot start—it’s the beginning of a new era.