Saint Mary's Defeats Vanderbilt 59-56 in NCAA Tournament

The Vanderbilt men's basketball team was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament after a narrow 59-56 loss to Saint Mary's in the Round of 64. Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington expressed his disappointment, highlighting the emotional toll of the defeat on his players who had worked hard throughout the season. Despite only one player, Jason Edwards, scoring in double figures, the Commodores had opportunities to win, with missed shots in the closing moments. Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett noted the team's struggle in the first half but praised their improved offensive performance in the second half, which led to their victory. The loss marks the end of a season for Vanderbilt, which had returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in eight years, but it also highlighted the potential for growth moving forward under Byington. The game showcased both teams' resilience and the competitive nature of the tournament.