NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tyrin Lawrence hit a driving layup with 15 seconds remaining Saturday to help Vanderbilt earn a 79-78 SEC men’s basketball win over Florida in the regular-season finale for both teams at Memorial Gymnasium.
With the Commodores (9-22, 4-14 SEC) trailing by one, Lawrence stole an inbounds pass and immediately drove to the lane and hit the basket that gave him 1,000 points in his career and Vandy its first lead since the midway point of the second half. The senior finished the day with 14 points and seven rebounds.
Ven-Allen Lubin recorded his third double-double in SEC action and fourth of the season for the Dores, posting a career-high-tying 25 points to lead all scorers to go along with a game-best 11 rebounds. Ezra Manjon and Tasos Kamateros each added eight points—the former also was credited with five assists—while JaQualon “JQ” Roberts ended up with seven points and a career-high seven rebounds.
Zyon Pullin led the Gators (21-10, 11-7 SEC) with 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, also recording five rebounds and eight assists. Tyrese Samuel scored 16 points, Walter Clayton Jr. had 14 and Alex Condon finished with 11 points and eight rebounds as well for Florida.
In a game that featured 12 ties and 12 lead changes, the Commodores overcame 35.5 percent shooting from the floor by making 19 of 20 free throws and posting 10 steals. The Gators shot 51.7 percent overall, but were just 5 of 17 from 3-point range and had twice as many turnovers, 16, as Vandy.
The Dores will open play at the SEC Tournament—which will be held at Bridgestone Arena—Wednesday at 6 p.m.
