Preview: Vanderbilt Visits Auburn in SEC Showdown AUBURN, Ala. (Interstat) — The surging Vanderbilt Commodores, ranked eighth nationally, aim to bounce back from a narrow defeat when they visit the Auburn Tigers in a Southeastern Conference men’s basketball matchup Tuesday night at Auburn Arena. Vanderbilt (19-4, 8-3 SEC) enters with one of the nation’s top records but is coming off a heartbreaking 92-91 home loss to Oklahoma on Saturday. The Commodores had won three straight prior to that, including decisive victories over then-Kentucky and Mississippi State. Auburn (14-9, 5-6) looks to build momentum after a strong performance in a 96-92 loss to rival Alabama. The Tigers have shown resilience, winning four of their last seven games, including an 88-82 victory over Texas. The spotlight will be on the backcourt, featuring two of the league’s premier guards. Vanderbilt is led by dynamic junior Tyler Tanner, who is averaging 24.7 points and 6.1 assists over his last seven games. He poured in a career-high 37 points with nine assists in the loss to Oklahoma. Auburn counters with sophomore Tahaad Pettiford, who is coming off a 25-point, seven-assist effort against Alabama. He has averaged 15.4 points and 4.7 assists over the same seven-game span. Vanderbilt’s potent offense, which has scored 80 or more points in 14 games this season, will test an Auburn defense that allows an average of 74.2 points in SEC play. The Commodores won the teams’ only meeting last season, 67-65, in Nashville. Auburn Arena has been a tough venue for visitors, with the Tigers holding a 10-2 home record this season. Vanderbilt boasts a 5-2 mark in true road games. Following this contest, Vanderbilt hosts Texas A&M on Saturday, while Auburn travels to face Arkansas.