Bama Central

No. 4 Alabama Smashes Vanderbilt to Complete Season Sweep

The Crimson Tide responded from its 24-point loss on Saturday in a big way — crushing the Commodores to get back in the win column.

Austin Hannon

In this story:

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Well, that was certainly a response.

Just three days after losing by 24 points to Oklahoma in the SEC / Big 12 Challenge, No. 4 Alabama silenced all naysayers in a span of 40 minutes in its 101-44 mauling of the Vanderbilt Commodores.

The 57-point victory was the largest margin of victory for Alabama in SEC history — and the largest in the conference since 2003.

With the win, the Crimson Tide finished off the season sweep of the Commodores. It also matched its win total from 2021-22 on Tuesday night.

Brandon Miller led the way with 22 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Nimari Burnett had his best game since returning from a wrist injury, finishing with 16 points on an efficient 5-for-8 from the field.

As a team, Alabama shot 59% from the field. The Crimson Tide knocked down 19 of 41 attempts from deep.

Needless to say, it wasn’t Vanderbilt’s night. The Commodores were an abysmal 25% from the field and 10% from 3-point range. On top of that, Vanderbilt turned the ball over 16 times — leading to 27 points for Alabama.

Forward Liam Robbins returning to the lineup for the Commodores had no impact on the game.

Next up, the Crimson Tide heads to Baton Rouge, La. looking to complete a season sweep of another opponent.

Tipoff between Alabama and LSU is set for 3 p.m. CT on ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU.

How it Happened

Second Half

  • FINAL: Alabama 101 | Vanderbilt 44
    • Quite the response. The Crimson Tide bounces back in a big way following its loss to Oklahoma on Saturday. Alabama remains unbeaten in the SEC at 9-0 and will travel to Baton Rouge to take on LSU on Saturday afternoon.
  • Graciously, it is the final media timeout of the night. This one has been over for quite a while.
    • Alabama 90 | Vanderbilt 40 | 3:11 2nd
  • We're still playing basketball in Tuscaloosa. The lead is now 51.
    • Alabama 85 | Vanderbilt 34 | 6:59 2nd
  • Another massive run for the Crimson Tide, this time 17-0.
    • Alabama 74 | Vanderbilt 28 | 11:18 2nd
  • The Crimson Tide is still rolling. The hot shooting has continued into the second half — the lead is now 30.
    • Alabama 55 | Vanderbilt 25 | 15:43 2nd
  • Play has resumed in Tuscaloosa.

First Half

  • HALFTIME: Alabama 43 | Vanderbilt 15
    • That's how you respond to a 24-point loss. The Crimson Tide wasted no time, taking it to the Commodores from the opening tip. The efficient offense and suffocating defense has returned.
  • Well, it can't get much worse for the Commodores. 4-for-29 (14%) from the field, including several air balls.
    • Alabama 37 | Vanderbilt 12 | 2:20 1st
  • The Crimson Tide is blowing off some steam from the last four games. A 29-5 run has it up nearly 20 points already.
    • Alabama 29 | Vanderbilt 10 | 7:20 1st
  • The Commodores haven't scored in 6:14 — extending the Crimson Tide's run to 13-0. Four made baskets, four assists.
    • Alabama 13 | Vanderbilt 5 | 11:50 1st
  • The Crimson Tide starts a little sloppy — perhaps a little carryover from Norman. Then, an 8-0 run to grab the early lead back from the Commodores. Already a noticeable change on the defensive end.
    • Alabama 8 | Vanderbilt 5 | 15:23 1st
  • We are underway at Coleman Coliseum.

Pregame

  • Tonight's Officials:
    • Tony Greene
    • Steven Anderson
    • Owen Shortt
  • It will be the usual starting lineup for Alabama:
    • Mark Sears
    • Jaden Bradley
    • Brandon Miller
    • Noah Clowney
    • Charles Bediako
  • Vanderbilt forward Liam Robbins is dressed and going through various warmups with a trainer. Robbins hasn't played since Jan. 14. He is the Commodores' leading scorer (13.9 PPG) and rebounder (5.9 RPG).
  • Alabama head coach Nate Oats is ready to go.

See Also:

No. 4 Alabama Ready to Hit the Reset Button After 24-Point Loss

After Loss to Oklahoma, Alabama in Similar Position to 2020-21 Team

Published
Austin Hannon
AUSTIN HANNON

Austin Hannon joined the BamaCentral team in December 2022. He graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in sports media and brings a ton of journalism experience. Hannon is the former sports editor of The Crimson White, the University's school newspaper. Hannon's coverage focuses primarily on Alabama football, men's basketball and baseball. Contact: cahannon01@gmail.com

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