Here's what Mark Byington said about Vanderbilt basketball's back to back court stormings against Tennessee and Kentucky basketball.

Mark Byington says the Commodores' ability to withstand all that the No. 9 Wildcats threw at them enabled them to forge their 74-69 upset in Nashville.

Nine players departed after Stackhouse’s firing. That prompted Byington to bring in 11 transfers, including Michigan State guard AJ Hoggard, North Texas’ leading scorer Jason Edwards, Virginia Tech sharpshooter Tyler Nickel and James Madison sophomore center Jaylen Carey.

Kentucky point guard Lamont Butler dribbled stealthily along the baseline before turning on a dime back toward the basket, attempting to muster a decent look late in the shot clock. With the No. 9 Wildcats nursing a four-point lead at Vanderbilt and under eight minutes remaining,

Another competitive SEC men’s basketball contest is expected for Saturday afternoon in Nashville, when head coach Mark Pope and No. 9-ranked Kentucky (14-4 overall and 3-2 in SEC play) face Mark Byington’s Vanderbilt Commodores (15-4, 3-3) at Memorial Gym.

For the second consecutive Saturday, it’s a party inside Memorial Gymnasium. Vanderbilt has once again taken down a top-10 opponent, with Kentucky being the victim this go-round. Mark Byington‘s team took down the ninth-ranked Wildcats and once the final buzzer sounded,

Vanderbilt basketball upset Kentucky on Saturday, resulting in fans storming the court. How much will the SEC fine the Commodores?

Vandy will get another opportunity to slow down a high-octane offense against the Wildcats, who are averaging 89.2 points per game, second in the nation behind Alabama. Kentucky ranks first in the SEC in field goals made per game (31.2), three-point baskets per game (10.2) and assists per game (18.7).

Predictions, picks and odds as Vanderbilt basketball faces Kentucky. Plus, injury updates and the latest news.

Saturday played out Vandy’s way. The Commodores forced 17 Kentucky turnovers while committing just five of their own. New coach Mark Byington’s team leads the nation in points off turnovers and, sure enough, Vandy doubled Kentucky in that department 14-7.

What the Wildcats and Commodores share is that of programs which have had wholesale turnover since last season ended. UK's 2024-25 roster doesn't feature a single scholarship player from the previous year's team;

Tyler Nickel's 3-pointer with 1:50 left put Vanderbilt ahead to stay as the Commodores upset a Top 10 team on their home court for a second straight Saturday by beating No. 9 Kentucky 74-69.