Vanderbilt Wins Battle 4 Atlantis Semifinal, Defeating VCU 89-74

NASSAU, Bahamas — No. 24 Vanderbilt University defeated VCU 89-74 in the semifinals of the Battle 4 Atlantis on Thursday. With this victory, Vanderbilt improved its record to 7-0 for the first time since the 2007-08 season.

Vanderbilt’s performance was led by a standout game from Miles, who scored 20 points and made 10 of 11 free throws. Tanner and Nickel each contributed 16 points, with Nickel also making four 3-pointers and Tanner recording a team-high five assists.

VCU, sporting a record of 4-3, was led by two players who scored 16 and 15 points, respectively. The Rams closed the first half strong, cutting Vanderbilt’s lead down to just two points at halftime, 43-41. VCU had struggled early in the game, hitting only 2 of their first 14 attempts.

The second half saw Vanderbilt take control when Nickel hit a 3-pointer, sparking a 7-0 run. The Commodores extended their lead to 65-54 following a block by Nickel that led to easy free throws. Washington contributed a key play with a block that set up Tanner’s layup, creating a 76-65 advantage.

The game ended with VCU unable to close the gap, going more than four minutes without scoring during an 11-0 run by Vanderbilt that culminated in an 85-65 lead.

Next up for Vanderbilt is a matchup against the winner of the other semifinal between Virginia Tech and Saint Mary's. VCU will play in the third-place game against the loser of that encounter.