Feb. 28, 2013
Box Score | Green’s Photos 
Balcomb | Clarke & Lister | Senior Night Videos
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt Head Coach Melanie Balcomb became the school’s all-time leader in career wins Thursday as the Commodores defeated Auburn, 59-44, on Senior Night at Memorial Gymnasium.
With the win, Vanderbilt improved its win streak over Auburn to 20 games and moved to 19-9 overall and 9-6 in the SEC. Auburn dropped to 15-13 on the season and 4-11 in the league.
The win was Balcomb’s 257th in 11 seasons at Vanderbilt, surpassing the previous school record held by Jim Foster. The game also marked the final home game for three seniors, as Tiffany Clarke, Elan Brown and Gabby Smith were all recognized at center court for Senior Night.
Clarke recorded her eighth double-double of the season with a game-high 22 points and 14 rebounds. Playing in her final home game as a Commodore, Clarke shot 6-of-14 from the field and 10-of-12 from the free throw line. Clarke made and attempted more free throws than the entire Auburn team tonight (5-of-9).
Jasmine Lister scored 12 of her 20 points in the second half to help the Commodores extend their lead late in the game. Lister shot 6-of-12 from the field and 5-of-6 from the charity stripe.
Auburn’s zone defense gave the Commodores fits for a good portion of the night, as Vanderbilt turned the ball over 26 times and shot just 39 percent (16-of-41) from the field.
However, Vanderbilt was able to get to the free throw line 27 times on the night, while converting 23-of-27 (85 percent).
Despite forcing the 26 Vandy turnovers, Auburn couldn’t translate them into points on the other end, as the Tigers scored just 15 points off turnovers. A major reason for that, Auburn shot just 31 percent (19-of-61) from the field and made just 1-of-14 (7 percent) from three-point range.
Auburn had only one player score in double-figures on the night, as Tyrese Tanner scored 14 points and also pulled down six rebounds. Hasina Muhammad and Najat Ouardad each recorded four steals. As a team, the Tigers had 14 steals on the night.
Vanderbilt led 27-18 at the half, but the Commodores were unable to shake free of the Tigers for much of the second half. Auburn pulled within three, 38-35, with 10:07 to play, but that would be as close as it would get. Vanderbilt would go on and extend its lead to 12 with 3:13 to play.
Lister led Vanderbilt with eight points at halftime, while Clarke added seven points and nine boards.
Vanderbilt will return to the court at 12:30 p.m. Sunday when the Commodores play at Georgia (ESPNU).
