Denver spoils Tuomi's homecoming

Dec. 5, 2010

Box Score | Notes | Season Statistics

DENVER, Colo. – Sunday was supposed to be a memorable homecoming for Colorado native Hannah Tuomi, but it ended up being anything but memorable as Denver handed the Commodores their third straight loss on the road with a 70-65 victory at Magness Arena.

The loss was the second in a row for the 23rd-ranked Commodores, who fell to 4-3 this season. Denver improved to 4-4 overall.

The Commodores were paced by Tuomi and Jence Rhoads, who each posted season highs in points. With a large contingent of family on hand to watch her first game at Vanderbilt in her home state, Tuomi scored 17 points and collected six rebounds. Rhoads added a team-high 19 points.

Vanderbilt’s loss added to the road struggles for the SEC on Sunday. Also losing on the road were Georgia, Florida, Kentucky and Ole Miss.

Trailing by one at the half, 29-28, Vanderbilt scored the first six points of the second half to take a 34-29 lead with 17:50 to play. Vanderbilt’s lead would not last long as Denver went on a 13-2 run to take a 42-36 lead with 12:20 to play.

The Commodores would chip away at Denver’s lead and tie the game at 48 with 7:05 to play in the game. The momentum would sway back to the Pioneers, who would go on a 13-3 run to take a 61-51 lead with 2:51 to play. The lead proved to be insurmountable for the Commodores.

Vanderbilt was outscored in the paint 40-22 as Denver held the Commodores to a season-low 65 points. Denver shot 56.3 percent from the floor, while Vanderbilt shot 45.1 percent from the floor.

Vanderbilt will return to the floor on Tuesday when the Commodores host Southern Illinois at 7 p.m.