NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tasos Kamateros scored a game-high 21 points and Ezra Manjon added 16 to lead Vanderbilt to a 74-67 victory over USC Upstate on Friday night at Memorial Gymnasium.
Kamateros poured in 17 of his 21 points in the second half, going a perfect 6-of-6 from the field and 4-of-4 from three. The graduate transfer hit threes on three consecutive trips in the second half to push the Commodores’ lead to 10 with 5:38 to play.
Manjon scored his 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the floor and a perfect 8-for-8 at the free throw line. He added seven assists and six rebounds in his 35 minutes. Sophomore Paul Lewis chipped in 10 points to give Vandy three in double figures on the night. Colin Smith flirted with a double-double, scoring eight while pulling in nine rebounds.
Vanderbilt overcame a slow start as USC Upstate built a 19-7 lead with 9:14 to play in the opening half. After trimming the deficit to four at the break, the Dores caught fire in the second half to shoot 61 percent while scoring 47 points. Vanderbilt finished the night 22-of-24 at the charity stripe to seal the victory.
Trae Broadnax and Miguel Ayasa led the way for the Spartans, scoring 17 points each.
Vanderbilt returns to Memorial Gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 14, to host UNCG.
