Dec. 22, 2008
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Coach Balcomb’s Postgame Press Conference
Press Conference with Marsh, Gibbs
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Freshman Tia Gibbs had 15 points and four steals Monday as No. 20 Vanderbilt defeated Liberty 67-50.
Gibbs made three of four 3-pointers, shot 5-for-7 overall, and had seven points and three steals during an 18-0 first-half run that put the Commodores ahead to stay.
“Since they were playing zone (defense), I really wanted to put Tia in because I knew she would excel,” Melanie Balcomb, VU head coach, remarked. “She was great off the ball and she’s a great rebounder. Our 3-point shooting was great tonight because of Tia and Meredith (Marsh).”
Marsh also made three 3-pointers for Vanderbilt (11-2) and finished with 11 points. Jessica Mooney had five steals.
Liberty (3-7) trailed by 17 at halftime and cut the deficit to 11 three times in the second half, the last when Moriah Frezee’s layup made it 45-34 with 12:59 to play.
The Commodores responded with a 19-4 run, which included eight points by Gibbs.
“We definitely didn’t play our best today,” noted Marsh. “However whenever they came at us, we answered. Today’s game was fun because it was a challenge and now we just need to focus and prepare for our SEC schedule.”
Rachel Hammond led the Flames with a career-high 18 points, and Frazee added 15 points and seven rebounds. Amber Mays scored 10.
