Vanderbilt’s Jerry Stackhouse Named Co-SEC Coach Of The Year & Liam Robbins Named Defensive Player Of The Year

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Top: Jerry Stackhouse. Bottom: Liam Robbins. Photos: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt men’s basketball finished their stellar regular season with Head Coach Jerry Stackhouse claiming the title of Co-SEC Coach of the Year and student-athlete Liam Robbins securing SEC Defensive Player of the Year, All-SEC First Team and All-SEC Defensive Team.

Stackhouse is Vandy’s first men’s basketball SEC Coach of the Year since 2010, and Robbins is the program’s first-ever SEC Defensive Player of the Year winner as well as the first Commodore to earn a spot on the All-SEC Defensive Team since Luke Kornet in 2017. This marks the 20th season of the Defensive Player of the Year honor, which was first issued in 2004.

The awards are voted on by the conference’s head coaches. Stackhouse tied with No. 18 Texas A&M’s Buzz Williams for Coach of the Year. This is the 11th time in program history a Vandy coach has earned the award with Stackhouse joining the likes of Roy Skinner, Wayne Dobbs, C.M. Newton, Eddie Fogler and Kevin Stallings.

The Dores were selected 12th in the SEC Preseason Poll and tied for the fourth-best record in conference play at 11-7. Vandy’s 18 regular season wins are the most for the program since winning 19 in 2015-2016.

Stackhouse led the Commodores to three wins over ranked opponents—No. 6 Tennessee, No. 15 Arkansas and No. 23 Kentucky—and a total of nine wins over Quad 1 and Quad 2 teams in the NCAA’s NET rankings.

Robbins was a dominant force throughout the season, leading the Dores in points (15), rebounds (6.8) and blocks (3.2) per game. The seven-foot graduate student currently ranks third in Division 1 with 3.15 blocks per game and fifth with 82 total blocks. He scored in double figures in 20 of 26 games played this season including a career-high 32 points in a road win at Florida.

College Corner: Belmont & TSU Players Named All-Conference, Vanderbilt Beats Ranked Kentucky

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Vanderbilt’s Jordan Wright Hits Game-Winner To Beat No. 23 Kentucky 68-66

Jordan Wright. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt’s fantastic season continues as they pick up their latest buzz-beater win against a top SEC rival after Jordan Wright hit a go-ahead jumper to take down No. 23 Kentucky 68-66 on Wednesday night for their first win at Rupp Arena since January 2007.

“Just happy about tonight, coming in and having something to play for this time of the year, beating the king at his house, it’s pretty special,” said Head Coach Jerry Stackhouse in a postgame press conference. “This is a big feat for us, not just to come in and beat them, but (beat them while they’re) probably playing as good of basketball as anybody.”

The surging Commodores (17-13, 10-7 Southeastern Conference) earned their seventh win in eight games and are 7-3 since losing to Kentucky 69-53 last month in Nashville. They trailed 26-21 late in the first half before leading 34-30 at halftime and 46-35 early in the second before withstanding Kentucky’s rally for a 66-64 advantage with 1:10 left on Oscar Tshiebwe’s layup.

Wright answered with a drive from the right wing to tie the game with 42 seconds left. After a missed Kentucky layup, Wright got free just inside the free throw line, stopped and fell back with the game winner.

Vandy finishes its regular season at Memorial Gym on Saturday, March 4 against Mississippi State before heading downtown next week for the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena.

 

 

 

Belmont Men’s Basketball Takes Home All-Conference Awards

Cade Tyson. Photo: Courtesy of Belmont Athletics

Belmont’s first season in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) has been one to remember as the team has won over 20 games and have multiple players receiving MVC All-Conference honors.

Ben Sheppard was named First Team All-MVC and MVC All-Defensive Team, Cade Tyson was named MVC Freshman of the Year, MVC All-Newcomer Team and MVC All-Freshman Team. Ja’Kobi Gillespie was named MVC All-Freshman Team and Drew Friberg was named MVC All-Newcomer Team.

Sheppard added to his reputation as one of the most complete players in college basketball. The 6’6 guard posted 28 double figure scoring games, including 12 games with 20 or more points. The first player in the conference named MVC Player of the Week three times this season, Sheppard was named to the Lou Henson Player of the Year Watch List and Paradise Jam All-Tournament Team.

The Atlanta, Georgia native will join select company upon his next score joining active players with at least 1,500 points, 400 rebounds, 200 assists and 100 steals.

Tyson burst on the scene from his opening game and delivered consistent production throughout the season. Earning ESPN SportsCenter Top Play honors for his game-winning shot in the season opener vs. Ohio, Tyson posted 24 double figure scoring games in leading the MVC in scoring among freshmen. The 6’7 forward scored a season-high 20 points vs. Missouri State and ranked among league leaders, in 2-point field goal percentage, 3-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage.

The Bruins start their postseason on Friday, March 3 as the No. 4 seed in the MVC Tournament in St. Louis Missouri.

 

 

 

TSU’s Jr. Clay Named To Fifth Straight All-OVC Team

Jr. Clay. Photo: Courtesy of TSU Athletics

Tennessee State men’s basketball graduate student Jr. Clay has become the first player in Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) history to be named to his fifth All-OVC Team.

Clay, led the OVC in both scoring (18.8 ppg) and assists (5.6 apg) and had the highest single-game points with 40 vs. SIUE (Feb. 18). Clay also had 14 assists at SEMO (Jan. 26). Although he wasn’t named OVC Player of the Year, Clay may be the only player in league history to be honored five times.

The path to his fifth postseason honor started at Tennessee Tech, when he claimed second team and newcomer team as a freshman in 2019. He then went on to be selected for three more All-OVC honors before his final tally to the first-team as a graduate at Tennessee State.

Clay and the Tigers begin the OVC Tournament tonight (March 2) as they take on SEMO at 6:30 p.m. in Evansville, Indiana.

OVC Basketball Championships Extended At Ford Center Through 2026

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The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Board of Presidents have voted to accept an agreement to continue to hold the OVC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana through the 2026 Championship. The agreement also includes an option for the 2027 Championship.

The OVC Basketball Championships have been held in the venue since 2018. In September 2019, the OVC accepted a three-year agreement to continue hosting the event at the venue through 2023, and in December exercised an option for 2024.

The Ford Center, which opened in November 2011, is an 11,000-seat arena located in the core of Evansville’s downtown district. The 290,000-square foot facility serves as the home of the Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Professional Hockey League and the University of Evansville men’s basketball team. The Ford Center also serves as host to numerous sporting events and concerts on an annual basis.

The 2019 OVC Championships saw record-breaking attendance at the venue, as the men’s semifinals drew an OVC neutral site record 8,294 fans, a mark that was broken the next night with an attendance of 10,525.

The OVC Basketball Tournament is the fourth-oldest Division I Championship in the country; the men’s event will be held for the 60th time this year.

This year’s OVC Basketball Championships runs from March 1-4.

John Carter Cash & Ana Cristina Cash To Headline Nashville SC Home Opener

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John Carter Cash. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville SC

Nashville Soccer Club has annoucned John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash will perform at halftime of Saturday’s (Feb. 25) home opener at GEODIS Park along with other musical acts.

Continuing to honor the legacy of Johnny Cash, Nashville SC players will don the new ‘Man In Black’ kits on the eve of Johnny Cash’s 91st birthday. The jersey’s were made in collaboration with the Johny Cash estate and his son John Carter will perform the Nashville SC Guitar Riff in front of an expected capacity crowd.  

In addition to the Guitar Riff and the halftime show, country singer, songwriter Abbey Cone will perform the National Anthem. Sister duo Tigirlily Gold will get the party started outside of GEODIS Park with a performance in the Opening Act on the North Plaza, while Walker Montgomery will take the stage in the GEODIS WeHo Club. DJ-Wooddrowe will add to the entertainment with music throughout the stadium as the gates open.

Saturday’s matchup against New York City FC at 3:30 p.m. CT will kick off the the 2023 MLS season after Hany Mukhtar’s stellar 2022 campaign where he won the league MVP and Golden Boot.

A full breakdown of Saturday’s musical lineup can be found below:  

GEODIS Park Opening Day Line-up:

Main Act: Nashville SC vs. New York City FC

Opening Act: Tigirlily Gold 

GEODIS WeHo Club: Walker Montgomery

In-house DJ: DJ- Wooddrowe

National Anthem: Abbey Cone

Guitar Riff: John Carter Cash

Halftime Show: John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash

Vanderbilt’s Last-Second Win Over Auburn Extends Win Streak To Five In A Row

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Jerry Stackhouse. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt men’s basketball continues to garner their best season in recent years as they pulled off a major 67-65 comeback win against Auburn off of a Ezra Manjon game-winning layup with eight-tenths of a second left in regulation.

The win is the Commodores fifth in a row, and they have found themselves in sixth place in the SEC standings with a conference record of 8-6 and an overall record of 15-12.

Senior Liam Robbins posted his third double-double in the last five games for the Commodores with game-high totals of 24 points and 12 rebounds during the win at Memorial Gym. Tyrin Lawrence finished with nine points and six rebounds, Jordan Wright had seven points and seven rebounds, and Manjon ended up with seven points and five assists.

Manjon’s basket came after K.D. Johnson tied the game with a three-pointer from the left wing with just 10 seconds to go. The lead changed hands 15 times on the night, with the two teams also tied on 12 occasions.

After the win, Andy Katz from NCAA.com tabbed Vanderbilt at No. 24 in his weekly ‘Power 36’ where he ranks the top 36 best teams in the DI basketball.

So far, Vandy has had the most conference wins in a season since the 2016-17 season when they won 10 games. They have four games remaining before they gear up for the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament between March 8-12 at Bridgestone Arena.

The Commodores travels to LSU on Wednesday, Feb. 22 for a 6 p.m. opening tip in Baton Rouge.

Gold Medalist & Lady Vol Track Star Tianna Madison Selected As A Tennessee Sports Hall Of Fame 2023 Inductee

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Tianna Madison. Photo: Courtesy of Tennessee Athletics

Tianna Madison, a six-time All-American on the University of Tennessee track and field team and multi-Olympic gold medalist, has been named a member of the 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class.

Madison was surprised by former Lady Vol track star and 2022 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Sharrieffa Barksdale in a video released Tuesday by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

“Tianna’s career in track and field at Tennessee and throughout her career has been stellar. From All-American Honors to multiple Olympic Gold Medals, she has excelled at every level,” says Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “We are honored to add an athlete of her caliber to what we believe will be a stacked 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class.”

Madison prepped in Ohio at Elyria High School before joining the Lady Vols Track Team in 2003. Her outdoor long jump of 6.89 meters still ranks first all-time in Tennessee History. Madison was a six-time All-American on the University of Tennessee track and field team. Madison won the long jump World Championship in 2005 and 2015 as well as the long jump indoor World Championship in 2006. She is a two-time Olympian, winning three gold medals for her efforts in London in 2012 and Rio in 2016.

Madison joins MTSU Baseball legend Stephen B. Smith as inductees into this year’s class. The full 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be revealed over the coming weeks.

The induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 22 at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

Stephen B. Smith To Be Inducted Into The Tennessee Sports Hall Of Fame

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Stephen B. Smith. Photo: Courtesy of MTSU Athletics

MTSU Board of Trustees Chairman, former Blue Raiders pitcher and Tennessee Walking Horse Champion Stephen B. Smith has been named a member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

Smith was surprised with the news Saturday evening, prior to the MTSU Lady Raiders basketball game against UAB. MTSU President Dr. Sidney McPhee, MTSU Athletics Director Chris Massaro and Lady Raiders Coach, TSHF Inductee Rick Insell, were all present for the announcement.

“Stephen Smith’s connection to Middle Tennessee covers the last six decades, from his time at Battle Ground Academy, to MTSU, to the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, Stephen has made an impact throughout his life,” says Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “To this day, he continues to contribute his time and efforts to athletics, and we are thrilled to be able to honor him as part of our 2023 Class.”

Stephen B. Smith. Photo: Courtesy of MTSU Athletics

Smith graduated from Battle Ground Academy as a three-sport letterman, before pitching for the MTSU baseball team. The university’s inaugural Board of Trustees Chairman played an important role as part of the 1976 OVC Championship team, and overcame a life-threatening auto accident in 1977 to lead MTSU to a Western Division OVC Championship. He also spent time as a scout with the St. Louis Cardinals. Smith was an original partner and board member of the Nashville Sounds, a board member of the Nashville Old Timers Baseball Association and winner of the association’s 2009 “Mr. Baseball” Award. He has experience coaching youth baseball, and is currently part of the Williamson County Sports Authority as well as the board for Music City Baseball, an organization dedicated to bringing MLB to Nashville. Smith led the effort to construct the first lighted college baseball stadium in Tennessee, the current 3,000 seat stadium and MTSU’s new baseball clubhouse, which is named in his honor.

Additionally, Smith has been a lifelong horseman, winning 10 World Championships as a rider. He is an award-winning Walking Horse breeder, having bred, foaled and raised 11 Tennessee Walking Horses that have won a combined 32 World Championships.

The full 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 22 at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

2023 Vanderbilt Football Season Tickets On Sale Now

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Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

After a solid 2022 season, Vanderbilt football season tickets are on now available for the upcoming season, the third under Head Coach Clark Lea.

Fans who had tickets last season have until March 30 to renew their seats for 2023. In addition, new season tickets are on sale starting at $225.

The season opens on Aug. 26 when Hawaii visits FirstBank Stadium. The Commodores will also host Alabama A&M, Kentucky, Missouri, Georgia and Auburn this fall.

Season Ticket Renewals:
· Fans have until March 30 to renew.
· Fans should renew prior to the deadline to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the online seat upgrade process later in April.
· After the deadline, seats will be released from non-renewed accounts, first becoming available to other season ticket holders, then to the general public.

New Season Ticket Purchases:
· Fans purchasing for the first time can click here.
· Season ticket holders save an average of 25 percent over purchasing single-game tickets.
· Prices start at $225 for the season.

Season Parking Passes:
· Season ticket holders have access to purchase a season parking pass.
· Spaces are available in the surface lots off of Natchez Trace for $125 for the season.
· Each season ticket account can purchase up to three parking spots. Fans are not permitted to take more than one space without purchasing the appropriate number of parking passes.

Chair Back Seat Cushions:
· Season ticket holders can purchase season-long chair backs for their seats.
· The new chairs for 2023 are weatherproof and made from a breathable, instant-drying fabric which is tear and stain resistant.

Payment Plans:
· Only season ticket holders can take advantage of payment plans.
· The plans provide the flexibility to pay in as many as five monthly installments from the day of purchase through July.

Additional Season Ticket Holder Benefits:
· Dedicated sales representative from the Vanderbilt ticket office
· Access to the best available inventory
· Same seat every game
· Opportunity to purchase away game tickets
· Priority access to any postseason games
· National Commodore Club membership benefits
· Special pricing on additional single-game tickets
· Exclusive season ticket holder discount at Vanderbilt’s official online store
· Early access to mini-plans and single-game ticket sales
· Special offers for other Vanderbilt athletics events
· Exclusive season ticket holder events
· Ability to request one videoboard message per season (while supplies last)