NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, Jaylen Carey delivered a standout performance for Vanderbilt, recording a personal best of 18 points along with 14 rebounds. The Commodores overcame a two-game skid by prevailing over Texas with a final score of 86-78.

This victory marked an impressive 12-1 record for Vanderbilt at home, bolstered by their late-game free-throw prowess, as they converted 7 of 8 attempts in the final 45 seconds. Additionally, MJ Collins electrified the crowd with a decisive dunk that broke the Texas defense’s press.

Jason Edwards and A.J. Hoggard made significant contributions, with Edwards scoring 17 points and Hoggard adding 14, along with six assists. Tyler Nickel also made his mark with 17 points in the game. Despite being down four points at halftime, the Commodores found their rhythm in the second half, shooting an impressive 57% (17 of 30) and managing to hit 13 of 15 free-throw attempts.

On the opposing side, all five Texas starters reached double-digit points, with Tre Johnson leading the charge with 15. Kadin Shedrick and Arthur Kaluma both added 12 points to the scoreboard, while Jordan Pope and Julian Larry chipped in with 11 points each. The Longhorns were without starting guard Tramon Mark due to a shoulder injury.

Texas launched a strong comeback with a 10-0 scoring spree that gave them a 54-50 lead early in the second half. Vanderbilt responded, with Hoggard scoring eight consecutive points, followed by Edwards contributing another eight points as part of a 10-0 run that brought the Commodores ahead at 71-65 with just five minutes remaining.

Carey played a crucial role in Vanderbilt’s earlier success, scoring 10 points during an 18-3 run that established a 20-12 lead midway through the first half. However, Johnson quickly turned the tide for Texas, scoring five points that sparked a 15-2 run to close the first half, putting the Longhorns ahead 39-35. Despite a slow finish for Vanderbilt, which saw them miss 11 of their last 12 shots, they secured the crucial victory.

Following their loss, Texas, who has now dropped two consecutive games, is set to return to their home court to face No. 3 Alabama on Tuesday, while No. 1 Auburn will make a visit to Vanderbilt.