All good things, and in the case of Vanderbilt, bad things must come to an end. Headed into Wednesday night’s matchup against LSU, the Vanderbilt Commodores had lost a whopping 26 straight games against SEC opponents. In a stunner, the 18th-ranked Tigers ended their 10-game win streak in a 99-90 loss
How It Happened:
Both teams struggled to find their footing early on, but LSU was able to hold a one-point lead at the first media timeout after an and-one from Trendon Watford. That didn’t last long though with the Commodores taking control out of the timeout, going on a 7-4 run that was highlighted by a pair of three-pointers from Maxwell Evans. The Tigers kept themselves in it for the rest of the first half thanks to several trips to the free-throw line, but an 8-2 run by Vanderbilt got them out to a commanding 11-point lead with 3:31 left in the half. LSU did take some momentum into the first half with a 10-2 run and headed into the locker room down 52-47.
The second half began as a back and forth battle with neither team really gaining any ground. LSU did get within one point with 14:08 left after a three-ball from Watford. However, the Commodores started to fight back, making it a six-point lead after a layup from Jordan Wright to make it 74-60 with 7:52 left.
The Tigers responded though, after a media timeout with a 9-0 run to take a three-point lead with 5:53 left in regulation. However, Vanderbilt finished things out strong, snapping their seemingly neverending losing streak in the process.
Big Number: 4
The Tigers have never been known for their three-point shooting, especially since the three-point line was moved back. That was evident on Wednesday night, shooting 4-of-18 from beyond the arc while Vanderbilt tripled the amount of made threes with 12 on the way to a nine-point win.
Player of the Game: Maxwell Evans
Speaking of good three-point shooting, Commodores fans should show some love to the starting guard who went 7-of-12 from three-point range. Evans led Vanderbilt on Wednesday with 31 points. It was something to really behold considering how wild this basketball season has been.
Next Up: Saturday at Auburn; Tipoff at 11 am