ORLANDO —For a second consecutive game to open the season, Vanderbilt men’s basketball topped the 100-point mark as the Commodores rolled past UCF, 105-93, at Addition Financial Arena Saturday evening.
Five Commodores scored in double figures, led by Duke Miles with 20, as Vanderbilt (2-0) shot 55.9 percent from the floor. Tyler Nickel, Tyler Tanner and Frankie Collins each scored 17 while Tyler Harris added 14 in the victory.
After a hot start for both teams offensively, UCF (1-1) took a one-point lead with 12:30 to play in the first half. Vandy ripped off a 10-0 run to take control, bookended by 3-pointers from Harris and Nickel. The threes were two of Vandy’s 10 triples in the first half as the Dores built a 52-36 edge at the break.
The Dores raced out of the gates in the second half with another 10-0 run en route to building a 27-point lead at the 13:51 mark. The Knights battled back down the stretch but Vanderbilt kept the comeback effort at arm’s length to cruise to the 105-93 win.
SEC-transfer Riley Kugel led UCF with 25 points. Chris Johnson added 17 for the Knights in the loss.
Vanderbilt recorded back-to-back 100-point games for the first time since 1980. It’s the first time the Dores have ever opened the season with two 100-point outings. The Commodores hit 14 threes in the game, giving them 31 on the season after knocking down 17 on opening night.
Vandy outscored UCF 20-2 off turnovers. The rebounding battle was even at 29-29 but the Dores outscored the Knights 17-12 on second chance points.
The Commodores return home to face Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday night. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Memorial Gymnasium.
