Vanderbilt Eyes Third Straight Win With Strong 3-Point Game

Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington said that he does not want his team to depend only on 3-point shots to win games. However, their early-season performances have shown how powerful their outside shooting can be. The Commodores, now holding a 2-0 record, have already made a name for themselves by sinking 17 three-pointers in their win over Lipscomb and another 14 in a victory over UCF.

These impressive numbers show that Vanderbilt has quickly developed into one of the most dangerous 3-point shooting teams this season. The team’s confidence is high as they prepare to face Eastern Kentucky (1-1) on Wednesday night in Nashville, Tennessee. Coach Byington said that while 3-point shots are part of their strategy, he wants his players to play smart basketball and take advantage of whatever the game presents.

“We talk about playing the right way, and we really want to take what the game gives us,” Byington said. “When we pass well, we have some guys that can make some shots.” His players have lived up to that message so far. The Commodores have scored 105 points in both their opening games — something the program has not achieved since 1980. It is also the first time in team history that Vanderbilt has scored more than 100 points in each of its first two games of a season.

Vanderbilt’s shooting has not been their only strength. Against UCF, the Commodores also played tough defense, forcing 12 turnovers and converting them into 20 points while allowing just two points off their own mistakes. This balance of offense and defense has given the team early success and confidence heading into more challenging matchups.

Senior player Tyler Nickel has been one of the team’s key contributors. He leads the Commodores with an average of 18.5 points per game. “We shared the ball well, and our teammates trust each other,” Nickel said. “This is part of what will make us better when we get to conference play and hopefully the postseason.”

Nickel is supported by several teammates who are also in top form. Sophomore guard Tyler Tanner is averaging 17.5 points per game, while graduate student Duke Miles is scoring 15, and Tyler Harris adds 14.5. These numbers show that Vanderbilt’s success does not rely on one player alone — the team’s scoring depth and teamwork have been crucial.

The Commodores have hit 31 out of 67 attempts from 3-point range, which gives them a success rate of nearly 46%. This impressive accuracy makes them one of the most efficient 3-point shooting teams in college basketball at the moment. Their offensive flow, driven by quick passing and confident shooting, has been difficult for their opponents to stop.

Eastern Kentucky, Vanderbilt’s next opponent, also brings an explosive offense. The Colonels are averaging 100.5 points per game and have connected on 25 of their 68 three-point attempts. They enter this game after a recent 89-79 loss to Western Kentucky, a result they hope to bounce back from.

Eastern Kentucky’s forward Austin Ball leads his team with 16.5 points per game. The talented sophomore transferred from George Mason and has quickly become a key part of the Colonels’ offense. Graduate student Montavious Myrick adds another 16 points per game, and transfer forward Jalen Cooper from Cal State Fullerton contributes 14.5.

Both Vanderbilt and Eastern Kentucky are known for their high-paced, offensive styles, making Wednesday night’s matchup a likely high-scoring battle. While Vanderbilt hopes to keep its perfect record and extend its 3-point shooting dominance, Eastern Kentucky will look to slow down the Commodores’ rhythm and regain momentum after their previous defeat.

Coach Byington remains focused on maintaining a team-first approach. His emphasis on unselfish play and smart decision-making has given Vanderbilt an early advantage this season. If the Commodores continue to shoot efficiently while maintaining defensive discipline, they could establish themselves as one of the most exciting and dangerous teams in the league this year.

Fans in Nashville will be eager to see if the Commodores can once again cross the 100-point mark and secure their third straight win in style.