NASSAU, The Bahamas (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity, the Vanderbilt Commodores remained undefeated, holding off a persistent Western Kentucky Hilltoppers squad 83-78 on Wednesday at Imperial Arena.

The Commodores, now 6-0, never trailed but could never fully shake the Hilltoppers, who fell to 4-1. Vanderbilt built its lead in the first half and spent the second half answering every Western Kentucky push to secure the neutral-court victory in front of an announced crowd of 437.

The game was a tale of contrasting strengths. Vanderbilt won with superior shooting and ball security, while Western Kentucky stayed competitive through sheer hustle and second-chance opportunities.

Vanderbilt’s offense operated with precision, scoring 83 points on 83 possessions for an offensive rating of 100.5. They shot 45.3 percent from the field, connecting on 24 of 53 attempts, and were an efficient 9 of 24 from beyond the arc. Western Kentucky, by contrast, managed only 78 points on 82 possessions, an offensive rating of 95.5, and struggled with its shot all afternoon, finishing 23 of 62 from the floor for a 37.1 percent clip and 8 of 25 from three-point range.

The charity stripe was a focal point for both teams in a physical contest. Vanderbilt attempted 37 free throws, making 26, while Western Kentucky went 24 for 33 from the line.

Where the Hilltoppers excelled was on the glass, particularly on offense. They dominated the Commodores 13-3 in offensive rebounds, leading to a 13-6 advantage in points off turnovers and a 7-2 edge in fastbreak points. Both teams finished with 28 points in the paint.

Vanderbilt’s defense was disruptive, recording 12 steals and forcing 17 Western Kentucky turnovers while committing 15 of their own. The Commodores also dished out 12 assists and blocked five shots.

The individual battle was highlighted by a stellar performance from Vanderbilt’s Duke Miles. The guard from Montgomery, Alabama, poured in 28 points, grabbed five rebounds, and handed out three assists in 32 minutes of action, consistently making key plays to stifle Western Kentucky rallies.

He was complemented powerfully by forward Devin McGlockton of Cumming, Georgia, who scored 22 points on efficient interior shooting. Point guard Frankie Collins of Sacramento, California, orchestrated the offense with nine assists and added six rebounds and eight points in his 26 minutes. Guard Tyler Tanner of Brentwood, Tennessee, provided a spark off the bench with 11 points.

Western Kentucky was led by the dynamic play of Teagan Moore. The Dry Ridge, Kentucky, native posted 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 34 minutes. He was supported by a strong backcourt effort from Cam Haffner of Westfield, Indiana, who scored 18 points, and Armelo Boone of Lexington, Kentucky, who added 16 points and seven rebounds. Terrion Murdix of Springfield, Illinois, chipped in 10 points, and Bryant Selebangue of Montreal, Canada, was a force inside with nine points and nine rebounds.

Vanderbilt established control early, taking a 40-35 lead into halftime. The Commodores maintained a cushion for much of the second period, but Western Kentucky repeatedly cut the deficit to a single possession, applying constant pressure. Each time, Vanderbilt had an answer, often from Miles or McGlockton, to keep the Hilltoppers at bay.

The game was not decided until the final seconds, as Vanderbilt converted crucial free throws to close out the five-point win.

Vanderbilt continues its season Thursday against South Florida. Western Kentucky’s next contest is at home against Evansville on Dec. 6.