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#24/23 Vanderbilt Defeats Syracuse, 61-52 1-2-04 1/2/2004 The #24/23 Vanderbilt Commodores extended their non-conference home winning streak to 42 games in its second straight matchup against a BIG EAST foe Friday night in Memorial Gym by defeating the Syracuse Orangewomen 61-52. Junior Ashley Earley led the way for #24/23 Vanderbilt, helping improve the school’s mark to 11-1 overall. The Memphis, Tenn., native finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds (eight offensive) to record her fourth double-double of the season. Despite having four players indefinitely suspended for a violation of the team’s academic policy and dressing just seven student-athletes, Syracuse hung tough with the youthful Commodores for the entire game. The difference was rebounding for the ‘Dores as VU controlled the glass 47-26 and dominated in second chance points 16-1. Vanderbilt struggled early to find its offensive rhythm, allowing Syracuse to blow open a 16-6 lead after seven minutes of action. The ‘Dores missed seven straight shots and committed five fouls during one stretch before an Abi Ramsey three pointer, at the 10:33 mark, snapped the Orangewomen’s run. The Monteagle, Tenn., native finished with 10 points in the first stanza. It was her first home game since returning from a suspension for a violation of team rules. The Black and Gold would not go without a fight, showing its youthful firepower, by closing out the half with a 14-0 run to lead at the break 28-24. Four Commodores scored in the spurt, which covered the final six minutes of the first period. Vanderbilt shot 38.7% in the first half after shooting below 27% for most of the period. Vanderbilt’s ability to get back into the game was in large part due to its offensive rebounding. The ‘Dores had 14 boards on the offensive glass in the first half, in comparison to Syracuse’s two. VU consequently led the battle in the paint, doubling up Syracuse 16-8 at the break and 32-16 in points in the paint for the game. Earley would lead the Commodores at the half with 11 points, four rebounds (all offensive), and was 5-9 from the field. During the intermission, the crowd was treated to a game of mascot basketball. Caricatures from the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Nashville Predators, Chick Fil-A and the playoff-bound Tennessee Titans hooped it up much to the delight of the 7,457 in attendance on Fan Appreciation Night. Out of the locker room the two teams battled each other point for point in the second half. Syracuse led at the midway mark 41-40 after a long-range three by Senior Julie McBride closed the Vandy gap. McBride finished with 22 points and five assists to lead all scorers. Ramsey would not let her presence go unnoticed, nailing a three pointer to push Vanderbilt ahead 43-41 with 9:01 left. A three pointer by Lauren Kohn would pull Syracuse even at 47 with four and a half minutes to play. There were six lead changes and three ties in the game. Down the stretch, senior All-America Candidate Jenni Benningfield scored four of Vandy’s five baskets during one stretch including a layup and foul with 3:30 to play to put the Commodores up 52-49. Vandy slowed down the game’s tempo. A Black and Gold shot clock violation wound the clock all the way to 1:14 to play. Three straight missed shots and two fouls by the Orangewomen sealed the win for Vanderbilt, 62-51. Freshman Carla Thomas made her first career start at center for the ‘Dores. She tied a career high in blocks with two in tonight’s game. Ramsey finished with 17 points and three three-pointers for the Dores. She also chipped in with three steals and converted all four of her foul shots. Benningfield, gutting out pain in her right foot that will be evaluated early next week, finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. McBride scored over 20 points for the fifth time this season for Syracuse. The Orangewomen have now dropped five straight versus Top 25 teams. The Commodores return to the hardwood Monday night, January 5th, to take on Savannah State. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. |
