By Kenneth Cross
NASHVILLE – The Vanderbilt Commodores have enjoyed a resurgence under coach Jerry Stackhouse this season and Friday night’s 80-73 win over Kentucky added to the allure.
Ezra Manjon scored 25 points and Jordan Wright and Tyrin Lawrence added 18 each as the ‘Dores took a 39-34 halftime lead and staved off Kentucky in the second half to schedule a berth in Saturday’s semifinals against Texas A&M.
Just look at the rebounding numbers,” said Vanderbilt head coach Jerry Stackhouse. “It was tough. They were pounding us on the boards. Our guys, they got timely rebounds and timely key rebounds.”
Vandy shot 49 percent and made 10-of-25 three-point shots although Kentucky outrebounded them 42-26 and scored 21 points off 20 offensive rebounds.
After Kentucky cut Vandy’s lead to 63-60, Manjon hit a three and then was able to get to the line and make 6-of-6 free throws as Kentucky had problems with the Vanderbilt guards off the dribble for most of the evening.
“When you have Ezra Manjon, our point guard, our catalyst, he’s tough with the ball and you know he’s going to be solid with it,” said Vandy’s Jordan Wright. “When he has the ball, it’s a sense of comfort.”
Just after Kentucky’s Antonio Reeves hit a pair of three-point field goals to push Kentucky to an early 14-4 lead with 12:30 left in the first half, the Commodores proved they had the staying power to add their second win of the season, 80-73, over the Wildcats.
Ezra Manjon and Jordan Wright made a pair of threes before Paul Lewis nailed a pair himself in Vandy being able to score six out of seven baskets and take a 39-34 lead at halftime.
Jacobi Toppin and Osacar Tshiebwe had a pair of double-doubles as Toppin had 21 points and 11 boards while Tshiebwe had 19 points and pulled down 15 rebounds.