On March 4, 2025, the Arkansas Razorbacks secured a crucial 90-77 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville, Tennessee, bolstering their aspirations for an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament.
Game Overview
The Razorbacks (18-12, 7-10 Southeastern Conference) showcased a remarkable turnaround from their previous performance, shooting 50.8% from the field—a significant improvement from the 28.8% they recorded in their prior loss to South Carolina. This efficiency was evident in their dominance in fast-break points (17-5) and points in the paint (48-26).
Key Players
Trevon Brazile: The forward delivered a standout performance, achieving a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. His contributions were pivotal in both offense and defense, providing the Razorbacks with the necessary edge to secure the win.
Johnell Davis: Leading all scorers, Davis amassed 21 points, showcasing his offensive prowess and consistency throughout the game.
Zvonimir Ivisic and D.J. Wagner: Both players added valuable support, each contributing 14 points, while Karter Knox chipped in with 10 points.
Vanderbilt’s Struggles
The Commodores (20-10, 8-9 SEC) faced challenges, particularly with their leading scorer, Jason Edwards. Averaging 17.2 points per game this season, Edwards was effectively neutralized by Arkansas’s defense, missing all 12 of his field-goal attempts and finishing with just two points.
Despite these setbacks, other Vanderbilt players attempted to fill the void:
Tyler Nickel: Leading the Commodores, Nickel scored 16 points, striving to keep his team competitive.
AJ Hoggard: Contributing 14 points, Hoggard displayed determination in his efforts.
Devin McGlockton: Adding 12 points, McGlockton’s performance was hindered by foul trouble, limiting his impact.
MJ Collins Jr.: Chipping in with 10 points, Collins Jr. provided additional support off the bench.
Turning Points
Vanderbilt initially established a nine-point lead in the first half. However, Arkansas responded with a decisive 13-0 run, shifting the momentum in their favor and securing a 43-37 lead at halftime.
The second half saw Vanderbilt’s challenges intensify as key starters, Devin McGlockton and Chris Manon, encountered foul troubles. Both players accumulated their third fouls just over 17 minutes remaining, and by the 14:56 mark, they had each picked up their fourth fouls. McGlockton eventually fouled out with 4:57 left, further diminishing Vanderbilt’s chances of mounting a comeback.
A pivotal moment occurred when Brazile sank a three-pointer with 16:37 remaining, extending Arkansas’s lead to 55-42—the first double-digit advantage of the game. This shot underscored the Razorbacks’ offensive rhythm and control over the game’s tempo.
Implications
This victory was particularly significant for Arkansas, as they were without their top two scorers, Adou Thiero and Boogie F … due to injuries. The team’s ability to adapt and secure a win under these circumstances highlights their depth and resilience.
For Vanderbilt, the loss was a setback, especially after their recent 97-93 overtime win against No. 14 Missouri on March 1, 2025. The Commodores will need to reassess and address the issues that led to this defeat as they prepare for their next matchup.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are approaching the end of the regular season with aspirations for postseason play:
Arkansas: The Razorbacks aim to capitalize on this momentum to secure a favorable position in the SEC standings and strengthen their case for an NCAA Tournament berth.
Vanderbilt: The Commodores will seek to rebound from this loss, focusing on refining their strategies and ensuring key players remain effective and out of foul trouble in crucial games ahead.
In conclusion, Arkansas’s victory over Vanderbilt not only kept their NCAA Tournament hopes alive but also demonstrated their capacity to overcome adversity. The Razorbacks’ cohesive team performance, coupled with strategic defensive plays, underscores their potential as a formidable contender in the upcoming postseason.
