NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Behind a stifling defense and one of the most productive offensive performances in years, the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team cruised to a 106-55 victory over crosstown rival Tennessee State on Monday.
In Vanderbilt’s first visit to the Gentry Center since 1991, five Commodores scored in double figures en route to the program’s first 100-point game since 2011.
Among the impressive offensive numbers, Vanderbilt shot 64.9 percent from the field, finished with 69 bench points and 52 points in the paint and out-rebounded the Tigers 53-24.
Freshman Koi Love was three assists shy of a triple-double. Love finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Senior LeaLea Carter finished with a team-high 20 points on 9 of 13 shooting and six rebounds.
Sophomore Brinae Alexander finished with 15 points on 6 of 10 shooting, senior Mariella Fasoula had 10 points and six rebounds, freshman Kaylon Smith had 12 points (6 of 8) with five rebounds, freshman Demi Washington made all four of her shots and finished with eight points and three assists, while sophomore Jordyn Cambridge added seven points and a team-high eight rebounds and three steals.
Vanderbilt, which has won three in a row for the first time since December 2016, is off to its first 5-1 start since the 2016-17 campaign (started 10-1).
How it Happened
In a fast-paced opening quarter, the Commodores jumped out to a 21-16 lead. But it was Vanderbilt’s defensive pressure in the second quarter that overwhelmed the Tigers and blew the game open by halftime.
Vanderbilt outscored Tennessee State 29-11 in the second quarter and led 50-27 at the half.
The lead grew to 77-39 after the third quarter and a 29-point fourth quarter catapulted the Commodores into triple digits.
Notables
Vanderbilt won its road opener for the first time since 2014 at Wisconsin … The Commodores improved to 16-2 all-time against Tennessee State … Vanderbilt’s 50 first-half points were the most in a half since scoring 51 in the second half in the win at Tennessee last season … Carter was one off her career high (21) with her second career 20-point performance … This is Vanderbilt’s third 80-point game of the season, matching last season’s total just six games into the year … Vanderbilt’s 29 points in the second quarter marked the highest output of the season and was matched with a 29-point fourth quarter … Vanderbilt’s 51-point win is its largest since a 57-point victory over Air Force (86-29) on Nov. 30, 2015.
On Deck
Vanderbilt takes its first road trip outside of Nashville when the team travels to the Bahamas for the Junaknoo Jam. The Commodores will take on Rutgers in the opening round 2 p.m. CT Thursday. Depending on the result, Vanderbilt will match up with either Seton Hall or Georgia Tech on Friday or Saturday.
