The Vanderbilt Commodores secured a victory on Saturday with a determined second-half effort, overcoming a 10-point deficit to win 86-78 against the Texas Longhorns.
Following the game, head coach Mark Byington and players Tyler Nickel and Jaylen Carey spoke with the media about their successful performance.
Mark Byington’s Opening Statement:
“These Saturday games have been enjoyable. Memorial was an amazing atmosphere. I thought our players displayed great resilience in the second half. We had played well in various stages previously, but things were looking bleak at one point. It was impressive how we managed to come back and close out the game, and our crowd played a huge role in that. Their support really lifted us when we were struggling. All games are significant, but this one felt particularly important after two road losses. I thought we performed well in our last away game, and we carried that momentum into this one. Winning at home can be tough, and you have to find every opportunity to get wins. The Longhorns are a strong, well-coached team, and I’m proud of our guys for being prepared and playing hard for the full 40 minutes. There were exceptional performances across the board. I acknowledged the team in the locker room; many individuals contributed positively. This was a true team effort, and that’s what counts.”
On the defense against Tre Johnson:
Tyler Nickel responded, “We had a team defense plan in place, but I can’t take all the credit for stopping him. There was one play where I guarded him, and he got by me. I want to give credit to MJ Collins; he worked incredibly hard and made things challenging for Tre. He deserves a lot of recognition for his effort.”
Regarding his game performance:
Jaylen Carey, who recorded 18 points and 14 rebounds, said, “Yes, it starts in practice. I come in every day with the mindset of being aggressive. That’s where the improvement begins for me. I’ve shifted my mindset, and it’s really paying off. I’m focused on getting better every day and continuing to progress.”
Jaylen, how crucial were the second-chance points you generated while the team was struggling to score?
Carey replied, “That’s part of our identity. Devin McGlockton and I like to see ourselves as tough competitors, especially since we’re undersized. While length can be beneficial, our toughness tends to work in our favor.”
Jaylen, how much do you enjoy the physical aspects of the game?
Carey said, “It’s just years of dedication. No one noticed it in high school, but my coach believed in me when I got here, and that support was all I needed. When I’m on the court and yelling, there’s purpose behind it. It’s simply something I love.”
Jaylen, why do you sometimes hit your head against the basket after scoring?
Carey responded, “It’s a little intimidation tactic, you know? Just to let them know they can’t just push me around.”
Tyler, you made four three-pointers; what do you enjoy about playing at home?
Nickel said, “Everyone enjoys playing at home. You get so many practice reps here, and it creates a sense of comfort. But at the end of the day, it’s still just basketball, no matter where you play. I came into the game feeling confident, largely thanks to my teammates, especially JC, who really boosted my confidence and encouraged me to shoot freely. It worked out tonight.”
What changed during the 10-0 run in the second half that gave you the lead?
Nickel explained, “It’s about toughness for us. We’ve faced a lot of adversity in our games, so we know that the game isn’t over until it truly is. We’ve been in tougher situations and learned how to fight back. No one was second-guessing ourselves when we fell behind; we just kept battling.”
Jaylen, do you feel more comfortable in your role on the team?
Carey said, “Definitely, I’m learning to trust my teammates more. I understood the system well, but that made it challenging for me initially since I was teaching everyone. Now, I’m realizing that if we trust the offense, success will come for all of us. I was frustrated at the start of the year, but it’s beginning to click, and I’m working on putting everyone in positions where they can succeed.”
Once the players left, the remaining questions were directed to head coach Mark Byington.
In the second half, both big men had three fouls, yet neither hesitated to play tough. Was that crucial for the win?
Byington replied, “Yes, if I recall correctly, I took Devin out around the 17-minute mark and put Jaylen Carey in. We often discuss how if you have the mindset of trying not to foul, you’re more likely to foul and end up with poor results. It’s about trusting your technique and knowing your roles. We play aggressively and physically. I wish Devin had shown more physicality in some of his fouls. I prefer to use both of them together, especially in this league, and I thought they did a good job of establishing the physicality and toughness we need as a team.”
Are games like this important for growth?
“While you don’t want to label any game as a must-win, losing a home game followed by two tough road losses makes it significant. You can’t take comfort in playing well if you don’t secure the win. We played well at Florida, although not at Oklahoma, so getting this result was crucial. Looking ahead, every game is challenging, with teams ranked and classified as quad one. When you have an opportunity to win, you need to seize it and value it.”
Rodney Terry mentioned your team is pesky; how does that reflect your roster?
“I believe we have no choice but to be gritty and pesky. We have to play extremely hard, and if we don’t, winning becomes difficult. We coach with that mindset, and the players understand it. They are naturally competitive and will play hard to compete.”
Why do you play better at home compared to on the road, and how can you maintain that intensity in away games?
“It varies by opponent on the road. For example, we performed well at Missouri but not at Alabama. In our last couple of games, the struggles were primarily in the second halves. We discussed making defensive stops at halftime, and our defensive issues stemmed from our offense. When we took poor shots and got stagnated, it allowed for transition opportunities for the other team. Once we improved our offense, our defense followed suit in the second half.”
AJ Hoggard had a tough scoring night; how does he influence the game beyond that?
“He consistently ranks high in assists—he had six today. I advised him to keep driving and use two feet because he’s a strong, physically built guard. Some of his missed shots might have been rushed, but he made crucial plays that helped seal the game, including a key three-pointer in the second half.”
Did you have to adjust your coaching approach for Jason Edwards in terms of shot selection?
“I need to adapt my coaching style for everyone since each player is different. My role is to bring out their best, and while no one is perfect—myself included—I aim to amplify their strengths. Edwards can score quickly, so he has a different level of freedom compared to others because of his ability to make significant plays.”
How valuable was Jaylen’s early contribution in keeping you competitive?
“Jaylen’s entry was crucial after a rough start with the opponent hitting threes and driving by us. He helped settle the team down, and his offensive rebounds and key plays brought us back into the game. His presence slowed the pace when we needed it.”
How did you feel about the crowd chanting ‘We want Auburn’?
“Every game has its excitement, and coaching in this environment has been a pleasure. Our players thrive in it. I’ve analyzed Auburn extensively through film, and they seem to lack weaknesses. They can adapt to any style of play, which makes them formidable. We’ll need to be at our best, with great support from the fans. These matchups are enjoyable, and we’re ready to take our shot.”
What are your thoughts on Jaylen Carey slamming his head into the basket?
“I appreciate the positive emotion, though I’m not sure how to categorize that act. It shows he’s in the zone. We need to establish a tone, and though people often focus on height, having a player with 260 pounds of muscle who can play like a football player adds significant value. He’s vital to our team, providing a distinct energy and presence.”
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