Vanderbilt looked in complete control early, building a 12-point lead and unleashing a devastating 15-2 run to push ahead 45-35. But McNeese State had other ideas, storming back with a 14-2 run that cut the deficit to just three and kept the Commodores honest through the first half. The second half belonged to Vanderbilt. The Commodores clamped down defensively, holding McNeese State scoreless for an entire stretch while orchestrating a crucial 9-0 run to extend their lead to 72-60. McNeese State refused to go quietly, with DJ Richards Jr. and Javohn Garcia hitting crucial three-pointers down the stretch, but it wasn't enough. Tyler Nickel and Duke Miles sealed it with clutch free throws in the final seconds as Vanderbilt held on 78-68 in their NCAA Tournament opener at the Paycom Center.