Commodores Breeze Past Mississippi State

Commodores Breeze Past Mississippi State

1/21/2006

NASHVILLE, <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Tenn. (AP) DeMarre Carroll tied a career high with 18 points off the bench as Vanderbilt defeated MississippiState 80-52 on Saturday.

Shan Foster and Derrick Byars each scored 13 and Dan Cage added 11 as Vanderbilt (12-4, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) shot 58 percent from the floor. Center Julian Terrell had nine rebounds, eight assists and three blocked shots.

Charles Rhodes scored 19 to lead MississippiState (11-7, 1-4). The Bulldogs have lost four straight games for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.

MississippiState had not allowed an opponent to shoot over 50 percent this season, but Vanderbilt had no problem solving the Bulldogs’ defense, shooting 63 percent in the first half.

Vanderbilt built a 22-point halftime lead and led by at least 17 the
entire second half.

The Commodores bounced back from a disappointing overtime loss to South
Carolina by playing one of their best first halves of the season, building a 46-24 lead. The 46 points was the most Vanderbilt has scored in any first half this season, and the Commodores had 16 assists on 17 baskets, with Alex Gordon leading the way with four assists.

Vanderbilt initially led 11-10 with 14:51 left in the first half, then
outscored the Bulldogs 22-7 over the next six minutes to take a 33-17 lead. Foster had seven points during the run.