Thursday, the 11-seed Vanderbilt Commodores erased a 15-point second-half deficit to upset the 6-seed Alabama Crimson Tide 82-76 in the SEC Tournament and advance to the quarterfinals to take on the 3-seed Kentucky Wildcats on Friday.
It was the kind of win that brings everyone in the Vandy community together, including former players and current athletics department staff. And we mean that literally based on a Twitter interaction between former Commodore player Julian Terrell and current AD Candice Storey Lee.
Terrell, who played for Vandy between 2002 and 2006, announced Friday morning that he was hosting a watch party at his house for anyone who wanted to root on the Dores.
Attention all @VandyMBB fans. Open invite to watch the game at my house tonight. Front Door is unlocked. DM ME
— Mr. Julian Terrell (@JTerrell33) March 11, 2022
His only stipulation? You have to wear black and/or gold and there are “no exceptions. Fair enough!
Entry fee is you must wear Black and/or Gold. No exceptions.
— Mr. Julian Terrell (@JTerrell33) March 11, 2022
That’s a pretty cool offer for any Vandy basketball fans looking for a fun way to root for their favorite team. But then, Vandy’s athletic director chimed in on Twitter to raise the stakes and let everyone know just how committed she and the school are to bringing the Commodores community together.
Great idea! I’m in Tampa, but please know that your food and drinks are on me tonight! Check your DM and voicemail and holler at me when you get a chance. ⚓️⬇️ #VandyUnited https://t.co/vzjsNzFpzT
— Candice Storey Lee (@VandyAD) March 11, 2022
“I’m in Tampa, but please know that your good and drinks are on me tonight,” said Storey Lee.
Not the kind of message you get from a Power 5 conference AD very often and plenty of Vandy fans and college basketball folks took notice of the kind gesture.
Now THIS is awesome. https://t.co/JXgZzdF3n5
— Adam (@VUfromthetop) March 11, 2022
Your AD would never! https://t.co/s3pEpWYTOb
— bobby2times (@bobby2xs) March 11, 2022
MY AD https://t.co/vfJZFKOezf
— Heel J-Will (@J_Willy4) March 11, 2022
She’s awesome!🖤🤍💛 https://t.co/y1d8XNP38g
— Melinda Williams (@principalmel) March 11, 2022
Talk about leading by example!! Family is Family #VandyUnited🤝 https://t.co/MTHEowQckH
— Kiara Mayo (@KiaraMayo16) March 11, 2022
The Commodores have their work cut out for them on Friday evening if they hope to continue on in the SEC Tournament and potentially make a magical run towards the NCAA Tournament. Win or lose, however, it looks like the school, alumni, and fans are pretty united in the cause.