OKLAHOMA CITY (Interstat) — Vanderbilt defeated McNeese State 78-68 in a men’s NCAA Division I playoff game Thursday at Paycom Center. Tyler Tanner scored 26 points to lead the Commodores.

Vanderbilt led 38-35 at halftime and maintained its advantage throughout the second half before a crowd of 15,677. The Commodores shot 51% from the floor and made 17 of 20 free throws. The Cowboys shot just 36.2% but stayed close by forcing 13 turnovers and grabbing 12 offensive rebounds. Garwey Dual led McNeese State with 16 points and six assists.

Vanderbilt improved to 27-8. McNeese State finished its season at 28-6.