Nov. 23, 2012
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico — The Vanderbilt women’s basketball team failed to overcome a slow start, dropping the first game of the San Juan Shootout to Virginia, 73-66. The Commodores dropped to 3-2 on the season while the Cavaliers improved to 3-0.
Christina Foggie led the Commodores, scoring a game-high 26 points on a career-high eight threes. The junior guard added five assists. Classmate and fellow guard Jasmine Lister contributed 14 points and seven assists in the effort. Kady Schrann, coming off the bench for the first time this season, scored 10 points while dishing out three assists.
The Cavaliers were led by Jazmin Pitts, who scored 20 points off the bench. Sarah Imovbioh added 15 poitns and six rebounds, while China Crosby scored 13, dished out seven assists and grabbed five rebounds.
Virginia opened the game with a 12-2 run before the Commodores slowly fought back to pull within one, 23-22, with 7:33 left in the opening half. Virginia responded with a 10-0 run over the next four minutes to take a 33-22 lead. They maintained the 11-point advantage into the break, 37-26.
The Commodores continued to fight in the second half, closing the gap to three points, 47-44, with 12:45 left in the game. Virginia responded again, pushing the lead right back to eight and Vanderbilt would get no closer than five over the rest of the contest.
“We have to start games better,” Vanderbilt Head Coach Melanie Balcomb said. “We can’t only play hard when we’re down.”
Balcomb was pleased with Foggie’s effort, but wants the Preseason All-SEC selection to take charge earlier.
“(Foggie) has to come out aggressive and ready to shoot the ball,” Balcomb explained.
The Commodores are back in action on Saturday, November 24, at the San Juan Shootout, when they take on Florida State. Tipoff is set for 4:00 p.m. CT at Mario Morales Coliseum.
Due to a scheduling conflict on WNSR 560 AM, the game will not be heard over the radio in Nashville. Charlie Mattos’ call of the contest can be heard free of charge on VUCommodores.com.
