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5d ago

Vanderbilt Lands No. 5 Seed in South, Draws McNeese in First Round

Analysts label the placement low, citing top-15 metrics after an SEC title-game run.

Vanderbilt forward Devin McGlockton (99), forward Ak Okereke (10) and Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) scramble for a rebound during the second half of the SEC tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) brings the ball up the court during the first half of the SEC tournament championship game against Arkansas at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Overview

  • Vanderbilt is the South Regional No. 5 seed and will open against 12-seed McNeese in Oklahoma City, with tip set for approximately 2:15 p.m. CT Thursday.
  • Yahoo Sports notes Vanderbilt ranked ahead of several 4-seeds in KenPom and went 10–6 in Quad 1 games, while the NCAA’s final list placed the Commodores 17th overall as the top No. 5.
  • CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander said Vanderbilt “got screwed,” arguing the résumé fit a No. 4 seed and possibly even a No. 3.
  • Head coach Mark Byington has voiced displeasure with the seeding following a semifinal win over defending champion Florida and a loss to Arkansas in the SEC title game.
  • McNeese enters as a dangerous 12-seed with KenPom No. 68 and the nation’s best defensive turnover rate, and the bracket route could bring Nebraska or Troy next with a potential Florida rematch in Houston.