MBB: VU Opens Season with 81-67 WinVideo Highlights, Postgame Reaction

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Shan Foster scored 21 points to
lead Vanderbilt to an 81-67 victory over Austin Peay on Saturday in
the season opener for both teams.

Foster tied his career-high with seven three-pointers, including
three straight in the second half, to help the Commodores lead by as
much 18 points.

The Governors used a 13-4 run, capped by an inside basket by
Drake Reed, to cut the lead to 67-59 with 6:36 remaining.

Alex Gordon answered for the Commodores, hitting a three-pointer to push the score to 70-59. Vanderbilt led by no less than 10 points the rest of the game.

Gordon added 19 points and A.J. Ogilvy had 18 points and nine rebounds for Vanderbilt. Todd Babington led Austin Peay with 21 points, while Fernandez Lockett recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds.

The Commodores shot 60.0 percent from the field in the second half and 54.5 for the game. The Governors shot only 32.4 percent in the second half and finished at 34.5.

Babington opened the second half with a three-pointer, trimming Vanderbilt’s lead to 43-35. Ogilvy scored six straight points inside, keeping the Commodores ahead 49-37.

Moments later, Foster swished three straight treys, pushing the lead to 60-42, the largest of the game.

Vanderbilt raced to an 18-3 lead to open the game, highlighted by two three-pointers by Foster. Austin Peay did not score its second basket until the 10:50 mark.

The Commodores made eight of 15 three-pointers in the first half and 50 percent from the field. The Governors shot 37.5 in the first half.