Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner Delivers Career-High 29 Points in Statement Win Over Alabama
Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner is One to Watch
Yesterday, the Wooden Award Midseason Watch List was released, and across men’s basketball, while the list is solid and players are deserving, one player who is continuing to turn heads is Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner. Tanner has started and played in all 15 games for the Commodores and averages 17 points per game while shooting right at 53 percent from the field and 41 percent from three.
Some of Tanner’s best work is done on the defensive side of things. He averages 2.6 steals per game, placing him in the top 13 nationally and second in the SEC, behind teammate Duke Miles. Tyler plays effective defense and mostly stays out of foul trouble, which can be tough to do. Last night, he was asked about that after the game.”ight, he was asked about that after the game.
“Sometimes just trying to avoid putting yourself in bad positions. It’s tough, and the SEC is very physical, and when refs are calling it like that, it’s a little tricky to navigate, but coach always preaches to us to play through adversity and be resilient, and that’s what we did,” said Tyler Tanner.
Last night, Tanner took over in the second half and helped lead No. 11 Vanderbilt to a 96-90 win over No. 13 Alabama with a career-high 29 points. He added seven assists, four steals, and three rebounds in 33 minutes on the floor. One on site reporter asked him about putting on his Superman cape in the second half, where he scored 23 of those points.
“Yeah, I really wanted to win that game. There was not necessarily a switch,” Tanner told reporters afterwards. “First half, I had those two fouls, so I didn’t get to be out there the whole time, but I was just comfortable out there. Coach was drawing up some good plays for me to get me going, so…”
Once again, he showed his authority and impact on the floor as he only attempted four threes on the night, making one. Getting to the free throw line is something he does as well as anyone, shooting 12 of 15 last night and 85 percent on the season, hitting 60 out of 70 shots from the line.
Tyler Tanner is a name that I would pay attention to through this season. As SEC play continues and we make our way toward March day by day, it is players like him who will make a difference when the stakes are highest. Sticking to the plan and not overdoing things will often send you good results more times than not.
Stay tuned to Mays Sports Media for continued coverage.
Featured Image Courtesy of: Vanderbilt University Athletics
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