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Benningfield and Hager Combine for 47 Points In Vanderbilt’s 98-95 Victory 11-12-03 11/12/2003 Senior Jenni Benningfield had 29 and senior Hillary Hager added 18 as Vanderbilt came from behind to defeat the Premier Players 98-95 in exhibition play Tuesday night in Memorial Gym. Had this game been in the regular season several Commodores would have inked career games. Benningfield, who connected on her first five shots, had 20 points at halftime on 10-of-13 shooting. Her 29 points would have tied her most points in a game, and her 13 field goals made would have been a new career high. Hager was dialed in from long range. Hitting five straight threes at one point, Hager went 6-for-8 from behind the line. Hager also pulled down an incredible 15 rebounds on the night. The 18 points, six three-pointers, and 15 rebounds would all have been career highs. The game would have also marked Hager’s first ever double-double. Hager and Benningfield were not the only players to shine as three other Commodores scored in double figures. Junior Ashley Early scored 10, freshman Dee Davis had 11, and freshman Carla Thomas netted 13. In her first action as Commodore, the highly touted Davis did not disappoint. Davis added 12 assists, two three-pointers, and two steals. In a very close game, each team had their share of runs. Premier went on a 12-2 run to go up 28-20 in the early going. The ‘Dores answered with their own 11-2 run to take back the lead at 31-30. The Commodores took a slim 41-39 lead into halftime. In the second stanza, Premier took a commanding 11 point lead at 67-56. But the ‘Dores showed off their talent by reeling off 17 unanswered points and began to put the game away. The run was keyed by the hot-shooting Hager who buried three of her long range bombs during the run. Also in on the impressive scoring stretch was Thomas who added five. Premier was led in scoring by Mauri Horton with 28, Tonya Washington with 22, and Brandi McCain with 19. Vanderbilt closes out the preseason slate against Athletes in Action next Monday at 7 pm in Memorial Gym. Admission is free of charge for the final exhibition game. |
