Feb. 15, 2009
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Christina Wirth scored 21 points to lead five players in double figures as No. 24 Vanderbilt defeated Georgia 80-64 on Sunday.
Merideth Marsh had 18 points, while Jennifer Risper, Hannah Tuomi and Tia Gibbs each had 10.
“Tina’s been hitting big shots and she’s playing with a sense of urgency,” head coach Melanie Balcomb said. “Jen is playing that way too and her defensive intensity is high, and everyone is stepping up.”
Danielle Taylor led Georgia with 20 points in 32 minutes off the bench. Angel Robinson added 17.
Vanderbilt (20-6, 9-2 Southeastern Conference) used a 17-3 second-half run to take the lead for good.
The score was tied 47-47 when Wirth made a jump shot as Marsh was fouled away from the ball. Marsh made both free throws to complete the four-point sequence and then scored the final five points of the run with a layup and three free throws.
“Tina puts up the big shots and everyone follows suit,” added Balcomb.
Georgia (15-10, 5-5) got no closer than nine the rest of the way. Its leading scorer, Ashley Houts, was held to seven points, all in the second half, on 3-for-11 shooting.
Vanderbilt will next play host to SEC-leader No. 5 Auburn for Senior Day Thursday night at 8 p.m. CT.
“We know we only have one more home game now,” said Wirth, one of three seniors on the team along with Risper and Amy Malo. “I’m just excited we’ve been playing so well and that I have these games as memories.”
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