NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ciaja Harbison scored 19 points and had four steals while playing the full 40 minutes, but Vanderbilt women’s basketball couldn’t overcome Georgia’s efficient offense in a 79-61 loss on Sunday afternoon at Memorial Gymnasium.
Georgia shot 67 percent from the field (28 of 42), including 77 percent in the first half, and went 21 of 24 from the free throw line. Brittney Smith led the Bulldogs with 24 points on 9 of 10 shooting.
Harbison was one of three Vanderbilt players to reach double figures in scoring. Sacha Washington finished with 13 points and game-high eight rebounds while Marnelle Garraud scored 11 points.
Vandy shot 35 percent (18 of 52) from the field, including 6 of 27 from behind the 3-point line. The Dores (10-14, 1-9 SEC) made 19 of 22 free throws and scored 22 points off 24 Georgia turnovers.
Behind Smith, Georgia (16-9, 5-6) came out red hot on offense. The Bulldogs started 11 for 11 from the field in the first quarter, with their only miss coming on a 3-point attempt at the buzzer. Georgia, which pushed No. 3 LSU into overtime last Thursday night, held Vandy scoreless for more than four minutes during a 17-0 first-quarter run to build a sizable advantage.
The Bulldogs carried a 45-29 lead into halftime after shooting 17 of 22 from the field and 10 for 10 from the free throw line. Vandy was limited to just 21 percent shooting (11 of 31) in the first half, including 4 of 19 from 3.
As usual, Vanderbilt didn’t go down without a fight despite a limited roster with only eight healthy players.
Harbison converted back-to-back turnovers into baskets for the Dores in the third quarter to cut the Georgia lead to 57-43. Vandy drew as close as 13 points three times in the fourth quarter, but Georgia answered every push to secure the sixth win over the Dores in the last seven meetings.
Player Notes
• Harbison has reached double-figures scoring in four straight games and 17 overall this season, and she has also recorded multiple steals in 12 games this season.
• Garraud has scored in double figures in eight straight games and 18 times overall this season, and has now accomplished the feat on 60 occasions at the collegiate level.
• Washington reached double figures in scoring for the second straight game and 13th time this season.
• Junior guard Bella LaChance finished with a career-high-tying two 3-pointers.
• Ryanne Allen made her first career start against the Bulldogs.
Playing for a Cause
The Commodores wore their pink uniforms and pink Nikes as part of the Play4Kay campaign that honors legendary N.C. State head coach Kay Yow, who died in 2009 at age 66 after a decades-long fight against breast cancer.
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was founded in 2007 to fulfill Yow’s vision to support advanced research, extend the quality of life for those battling cancer, serve the underserved and unite people.
Play4Kay is the Kay Yow Fund’s largest fundraiser. The initiative was launched to bring communities together to honor cancer warriors in the fight against all cancers affecting women.
Series History
Georgia expanded the lead in the all-time series to 41-28 and pulled even with Vanderbilt in Memorial Gymnasium (14-14).
Up Next: Vanderbilt hosts Arkansas on Thursday night at 8 p.m. CT (SEC Network) in Memorial Gymnasium.
Tickets: Students will continue to 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.
