In a tightly contested match, the No. 10 Vanderbilt Commodores narrowly lost to the No. 7 Saint Mary’s Gaels with a final score of 59-56 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament held in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 21. This marked Vanderbilt's return to the tournament for the first time since 2017. Despite leading through much of the first half due to poor shooting from the Gaels, Saint Mary’s capitalized on their size advantage and improved three-point accuracy in the second half to secure the victory.

From the outset, the game was characterized by intense competition and strategic playmaking. In the first half, Vanderbilt took control as the Gaels struggled with their shooting efficiency, managing only 9 out of 26 field goals. Jason Edwards stood out for the Commodores, scoring 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting. However, the second half saw a shift in momentum. The Gaels' dominance inside the paint and enhanced three-point shooting gradually brought them back into contention, culminating in their eventual triumph.

The opening tip-off set the tone for an action-packed first half. After AJ Hoggard initiated the scoring with a layup, the teams exchanged baskets and turnovers, creating a seesaw battle. Jaylen Carey's powerful dunk provided a spark for Vanderbilt, but St. Mary’s responded with relentless pressure. Devin McGlockton and Grant Huffman contributed crucial points, extending Vanderbilt’s lead. A brief scoring drought was broken by a clutch three-pointer from Nickel, further widening the gap. As halftime approached, the Commodores maintained a slim lead, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

In the second half, the Gaels demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Their strong rebounding and defensive prowess enabled them to mount a significant comeback. Key moments included Tyler Tanner's critical three-pointer and Manon's impactful block, which momentarily bolstered Vanderbilt's confidence. Nevertheless, sloppy ball-handling and weak offensive rebounding allowed Saint Mary’s to close the gap significantly. The game reached a fever pitch as both teams exchanged leads multiple times, showcasing the skill and determination of each squad.

Ultimately, despite valiant efforts by Edwards and McGlockton in the closing moments, Vanderbilt fell short of tying the game. Head coach Mark Byington expressed pride in his team, emphasizing their journey against doubters to reach this prestigious tournament. Although the loss stings, the Commodores have proven themselves as a formidable force capable of competing at the highest level.