Vanderbilt Does Its Job, Ruins Missouri at Home 86-71

A home loss to Missouri would have ruined Vanderbilt's NCAA Tournament prospects. Fortunately for the Commodores, they never gave their visitors a glimpse at victory in an 86-71 victory.

Every Vanderbilt starter scored in double-digits en route to a rout over the SEC's last-place team. The Tigers were 1-9 headed into Wednesday's matchup and only served to derail the team's NCAA Tournament hopes. Instead, the Commodores lived up to their potential and ran a rebuilding team off their home court.

Damian Jones gave Vandy a 2-0 lead 14 seconds into the game and the 'Dores never trailed from there against a young, overmatched Mizzou squad. Along the way, Luke Kornet posted a double-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks. Wade Baldwin IV added 17 points, six rebounds, and seven assists while Jeff Roberson had a 12-point, eight rebound, 2-2 three-point shooting performance.

It took fewer than six minutes for Vanderbilt to lead by double-digits. They extended to a 45-26 halftime lead. The Tigers never threatened in the second half. The 'Dores led by as many as 25 points in a blowout that send a sparse crowd headed for the exits while the LEDs continued to burn on the game clock.

Vanderbilt improved to 14-10 and 6-5 in the SEC with the win. Missouri dropped to 8-17 and 1-10 in the league after Wednesday's loss. The Commodores will return to the court on Saturday when they travel to Auburn for a 5pm tipoff.