Vanderbilt defeats Alabama 96-90

Vanderbilt Edges Alabama in Thrilling Conference Showdown

In a back-and-forth affair, Vanderbilt cruised past visiting Alabama 96-90 at Memorial Gymnasium on Wednesday night. The Commodores' victory marked their first win over the Crimson Tide this season.

The game was a seesaw battle from start to finish, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a commanding advantage until late in the contest. At halftime, Vanderbilt led 43-43, but it was the Commodores who came out on top in the second half, building a 6-point lead that Alabama could not overcome.

Vanderbilt's balanced attack was the key to their success. The team shot 51.3% from two-point range and 35.0% from three-point range, while also making 70.0% of its free throw attempts. Commodores' center, [Player Name], led the way for Vanderbilt, with a strong all-around performance that included 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks.

Alabama, meanwhile, struggled to find its rhythm on offense. The Crimson Tide shot just 37.0% from the field and made only 76.0% of their free throws. Guard [Player Name] led Alabama's attack with 17 points off 5-10 shooting from two-point range. However, it was not enough to overcome Vanderbilt's strong defensive performance.

The Commodores' advantage on the glass also played a key role in their victory. Vanderbilt outrebounded Alabama by 11, including 8 offensive rebounds that helped fuel the team's fast break points.

In terms of advanced statistics, Vanderbilt's true shooting percentage (59.3%) and effective field goal percentage (51.7%) were both among the highest of any team in the game. The Commodores also made a concerted effort to limit Alabama's three-point attempts, forcing the Crimson Tide to make 22.0% of their shots from beyond the arc.

For Alabama, the loss was a tough one, but it marked an opportunity for the Crimson Tide to bounce back and continue their strong season.