Vanderbilt basketball had the chance to make a statement Tuesday in its first matchup against a ranked team. Instead, the Commodores took a loss to No. 13 Mississippi State, 76-64, in their SEC home opener.

Here's what Mark Byington said about Vanderbilt basketball's loss to Mississippi State. Cooper Flagg was still simmering, angry at himself, for picking up his third foul so early in the second half before knocking away an entry pass to force a turnover.

The Vanderbilt Commodores will have to excel in these areas to pull off the upset over the Mississippi State Bulldogs.