Rocky Topped

Tyrin Lawrence buzzer-beater lifts Dores past nationally-ranked Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tyrin Lawrence sank a 3-point basket from the corner at the buzzer on Wednesday, lifting Vanderbilt men’s basketball to a 66-65 victory over No. 6/5 Tennessee at Memorial Gymnasium.

Lawrence finished with a game-high 19 points, going 8 of 12 from the field including 3 of 4 from beyond the 3-point arc, adding four rebounds to lead the Commodores (12-12, 5-6 SEC). Liam Robbins just missed a double-double after posting 14 points and nine rebounds, and Jordan Wright scored all 12 of his points in the second half.

Ezra Manjon finished with seven points and five assists, the last of which came on a pass to find Lawrence for the game-winning shot, and Colin Smith recorded seven points as well.

The contest saw the two teams exchange the lead 15 times and also featured nine ties. Trailing by two with 15 seconds remaining, the Dores had to commit five fouls before Santiago Vescovi finally went to the line for a one-and-one with eight seconds to go. When he missed the front end, Lawrence grabbed the rebound to set up Vandy’s final possession.

Vescovi and Tyreke Key each had 14 points to pace the Volunteers (19-5, 8-3 SEC), with Julian Phillips and Olivier Nkamhoua both contributing 10 points apiece.

Vandy connected on 10 3-pointers, with Robbins going 3 of 4 and Wright sinking a pair also, while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc.

The Dores are next in action at Florida on Saturday, with opening tip scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT.