NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a commanding display of offensive firepower and defensive pressure, the Vanderbilt Commodores remained undefeated with a decisive 109-74 victory over the Texas Southern Tigers in a non-conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Memorial Gymnasium.

A crowd of 5,673 watched as Vanderbilt improved to 5-0 on the young season, while Texas Southern’s search for its first win continued, dropping the Tigers to 0-5.

The outcome was never in doubt after a dominant first-half performance from the Commodores. Vanderbilt exploded for 60 points before halftime, building a commanding 27-point lead. The offensive onslaught was fueled by efficient shooting and a relentless defense that forced the Tigers into costly mistakes.

Vanderbilt shot 53 percent from the field in the game, connecting on 39 of 73 attempts. While their three-point shooting was volume-based at 14 for 40, their ability to score inside and capitalize on turnovers proved overwhelming. The Commodores also excelled at the free-throw line, making 17 of 22 attempts.

Texas Southern, conversely, struggled to find any consistent rhythm against Vanderbilt’s defensive pressure. The Tigers committed 13 turnovers, which Vanderbilt converted into numerous transition opportunities. The Commodores also dominated the glass, securing 12 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-chance points, compared to just four offensive boards for Texas Southern.

The statistical disparity was stark. Vanderbilt dished out 10 assists and recorded 10 steals, showcasing a balanced and disruptive team effort. Texas Southern managed only three assists and three steals for the entire game. Vanderbilt’s offensive rating of 140.7, compared to Texas Southern’s 97.7, highlighted the vast efficiency gap between the two teams on this night.

Vanderbilt’s attack was a balanced affair, led by a standout performance from guard Tyler Tanner. The Brentwood, Tennessee, native poured in 20 points and distributed seven assists, orchestrating the offense with precision. He was joined in the 20-point club by Tyler Nickel of Harrisonburg, Virginia, who also scored 20 points, including three shots from beyond the arc.

The Commodores’ frontcourt provided a significant advantage. Devin McGlockton of Cumming, Georgia, contributed 14 points, while Jalen Washington of Gary, Indiana, added 11 points, four assists and was a force defensively. The backcourt duo of Duke Miles from Montgomery, Alabama, and AK Okereke of Clovis, California, each chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively, with Miles adding five assists.

For Texas Southern, the scoring was more distributed. Alex Anderson of Memphis, Tennessee, led the Tigers with 12 points. Ahmed Nedal Abdelrahman from Cairo, Georgia, and Zaire Hayes of Houston, Texas, each added nine points in the losing effort.

The game unfolded as projected by oddsmakers, with Vanderbilt covering the pregame spread as a heavy favorite. The combined score of 183 points sailed well over the set over/under line of 167.5.

The loss extends a difficult opening stretch for Texas Southern, which has faced a gauntlet of high-major opponents. The Tigers will look to break into the win column when they host Biblical Studies on Wednesday, November 26.

Vanderbilt, riding a wave of momentum, will take its perfect record on the road for a matchup against Western Kentucky next Wednesday, November 26, in Nassau, The Bahamas, as part of an early-season tournament.