Women's Basketball Beats Bulldogs, 80-29

Women’s Basketball Beats Bulldogs, 80-29

11/22/2005

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A stifling defensive effort led the No. 20/22 Vanderbilt women’s basketball team to a 80-29 win over Alabama A&M in the Commodores’ home opener Tuesday in Memorial Gymnasium.

Vanderbilt scored the first 18 points of the game, holding the Bulldogs scoreless until the 10:36 mark of the first half. AAMU shot 29 percent from the floor during the game only after making 10-of-24 shots in the second half. During the first 20 minutes, the Bulldogs connected on only three of their 21 shots.

Junior Caroline Williams led all scorers with a career-high 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Sophomore Liz Sherwood was the only other player in double-figures, scoring 17 points while also making 8-of-10 shots from the field. Five other Commodores added at least seven points each.

Kimberly Pratcher led Alabama A&M with six points.

“I hope we took away some confidence from this game,” Vanderbilt Head Coach Melanie Balcomb said. “We were finally able to get away from a team and hold them defensively. We should have confidence in our defense. It’s something we have focused on in practice.”

After not allowing a point for the first nine and a half minutes, Vanderbilt held Alabama A&M to eight points in the first half and opened up a 28-point lead. The last time the Commodores held an opponent to less than 10 points in a half was Jan. 5, 2004, against Savannah State.

The Commodores return to action this weekend, playing host to the Vanderbilt Thanksgiving Tournament sponsored by the City Paper. On Friday, Nov. 25, VU will take on Charleston Southern at 2 p.m. CT, with a matchup between Colgate and McNeese State to follow around 4 p.m. The following day (Saturday, Nov. 26), the tournament’s consolation game is scheduled for 2 p.m., to be followed by the tournament championship.

Admission to all four games this weekend is free. Fans will have the opportunity to make cash donations benefitting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee at the door.