VU Defense Smothers Nicholls State

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt (6-3) held Nicholls State to 24.5 percent shooting and forced 23 turnovers, as the Commodores never trailed in routing the Colonels 76-40 at Memorial Gym on Saturday night.

Ross Neltner posted his first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Jermaine Beal poured in a career-high 15 points. Shan Foster added 13.

The 40 points were the fewest the Commodores have allowed since defeating Georgia 65-37 on February 26, 2005. The Colonels (1-12) hit just four-of-25 from three-point range.

The Commodores quickly built an insurmountable lead, led by Neltner’s 11 points and seven first-half rebounds.

A 14-0 run midway through the first half put Vanderbilt up 27-5, as the Colonels missed 16 of their first 17 shots.

Nicholls State shot just 14.8 percent and committed 13 turnovers in the first half, as Vandy led 39-12 at the break.

The 12 points were the fewest the Commodores have given up during Kevin Stallings’ eight years as Vanderbilt coach.

The Commodores scored the half’s first four points and never again led by fewer than 30, extending the lead to as many as 41.

Stefan Blaszczynski added 19 points and 10 rebounds for Nicholls State.