Vanderbilt Holds Off Western Kentucky in Battle 4 Atlantis Thriller
Paradise Island, Bahamas – November 26, 2025 - The No.24 Vanderbilt Commodores narrowly escaped with an 83-78 victory over a resilient Western Kentucky Hilltoppers team Wednesday at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. despite a late surge from Western Kentucky, Vanderbilt managed too maintain its undefeated record, moving to 6-0 on the season.
This game, played in a physical and fast-paced environment, showcased impressive performances from key players on both sides. you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the action, key takeaways, and what’s next for both teams right here.
Game Highlights & Key Performances
duke Miles lead all scorers with a dominant 28-point performance for Vanderbilt. Devin McGlockton added a crucial 22 points, proving instrumental in securing the win. however,the Commodores faced a tougher-than-expected challenge,nearly relinquishing a 15-point lead.
For Western Kentucky, Teagan Moore spearheaded the attack with 24 points. Cam Haffner had a standout game, contributing a season-high 18 points, including five 3-pointers. Armelo Boone also chipped in with 16 points for the Hilltoppers.
First half Recap: Commodores Establish Early Control
Vanderbilt took its first lead at 18-17 after a Tyler Tanner three-pointer midway through the first half. From that point, they didn’t trail again. The Commodores ended the first half with a 40-35 advantage.
Western Kentucky’s physical defense kept the game close, limiting Vanderbilt to 42.9% shooting on two-pointers. Moore’s 15 first-half points also kept the Hilltoppers within striking distance.
Second Half Drama: A Nail-Biting Finish
The second half saw Western Kentucky mount a furious comeback. Haffner’s three-pointer with 1:25 remaining narrowed the gap to 78-71.
* A steal and assist from Haffner to Bryant sellabangue further reduced the deficit.
* Vanderbilt’s Frankie Collins missed crucial free throws down the stretch, opening the door for a Hilltoppers rally.
However, Vanderbilt’s Miles and McGlockton managed to convert key free throws in the final seconds. A late goaltending call and a free throw from Boone brought Western Kentucky within four points. Ultimately, Miles sealed the victory with two clutch free throws with just 1.9 seconds left on the clock.
key Moments & Turning Points
Several pivotal moments defined this contest:
- Grant Newell’s Injury: Western Kentucky’s second-leading scorer, Newell, suffered a sprained ankle in the first half and did not return. This undoubtedly impacted the Hilltoppers’ offensive flow.
- Late-Game Free Throw Struggles: Vanderbilt’s struggles from the free-throw line nearly cost them the game, allowing Western Kentucky to stay within reach.
- Miles’ Clutch performance: Duke Miles‘ ability to deliver under pressure, particularly his late-game free throws, proved decisive.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Vanderbilt will advance to face the winner of the South Florida vs. VCU matchup on Thanksgiving Day.This will be a significant test for the Commodores as they aim to continue their impressive start to the season.
Western Kentucky will play the loser of the south Florida-VCU game on Thanksgiving Day. The Hilltoppers will look to bounce back from this narrow defeat and demonstrate their resilience.
Looking Ahead: Tournament Implications
The Battle 4 Atlantis is known for its competitive field and exciting matchups. Vanderbilt’s win solidifies their position as a top-25 team. However, they’ll need to address their free-throw shooting to maintain their success. For Western Kentucky, this game served as a valuable learning experience, showcasing their potential despite the loss.
Source: Field Level Media
