NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After a much-needed break to rest and recuperate, the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team returns to the court on Sunday to host in-city rival Lipscomb at 2 p.m. CT (SEC Network+) in Memorial Gymnasium.
The Commodores (7-5) are coming off a thrilling overtime comeback win on the road over Louisiana Tech on Dec. 8, which featured a career-high 31-point performance by Marnelle Garraud.
The graduate guard was 11 of 19 from the field, including making a career-high seven 3-pointers, to help Vanderbilt rally for the 75-70 win. Garraud was on the court for 42 of the game’s 45 minutes.
Garraud has boosted her average to 13.7 points per game after scoring in double figures and connecting on at least three 3-pointers in four straight games. The Boston College transfer entered the week ranked fourth in the country and leading the SEC in 3-pointers made (34). Her 42.0 percent shooting from behind the 3-point line ranked 79th in the country.
Freshman Ryanne Allen scored 11 of Vanderbilt’s 15 points in the overtime period against Louisiana Tech, including three 3-pointers. All 14 of Allen’s points came in the final seven minutes of the game.
Vanderbilt was playing with only eight available players for the fourth straight game, but did see the return of leading scorer Ciaja Harbison. The graduate played 40 minutes against Louisiana Tech, scoring 10 points and dishing out six assists.
Harbison is averaging a team-leading 17.6 points and 5.6 assists per game. Both marks ranked second in the SEC entering the week.
Scouting Report
Lipscomb
Vanderbilt is 16-0 all-time against Lipscomb, including 9-0 at home. Their last meeting came in the 2017-18 season, a 92-82 home victory by the Dores.
The Bison (5-5) are completing a city showdown trifecta. They lost to Tennessee State (74-64) and Belmont (77-68) in their last two games.
Redshirt sophomore forward Aleah Sorrentino is averaging a team-leading 15.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for Lipscomb. Senior guard Jalyn Holcomb (15.4) and sophomore guard Bella Vinson (12.1) are the other double-digit scorers.
Lipscomb and Vanderbilt have faced one common opponent this season in Western Kentucky. Vandy beat WKU 82-71 and Lipscomb beat WKU 84-66. Both wins came on the road.
Lipscomb was picked to finish 11th in the Atlantic Sun Conference preseason poll. Holcomb was the ASUN fan-voted Preseason Player of the Year.
Giving Back
The game is part of Vanderbilt’s Holiday Hoops promotion and will feature a charity toy drive and halftime Teddy Bear Toss. It’s also Ugly Sweater Day and the team will be signing postgame autographs.
Tickets: Students receive free admission to all home basketball games. In addition, single-game sales, mini-plans and group ticket options are available. To view the promotional schedule, click here.
