Vanderbilt's Huge Second Half Lifts 'Dores Over Lions, 80-58 11/22/02

The Commodores won their 13th straight home opener as they defeated the Lions of Southeastern Louisiana 80-58 Friday night at Memorial Gym. Vanderbilt was led by junior Matt Freije's 19 points and 5 rebounds.

Defense was the name of the game in the first half. SLU, ranked 22 nationally in scoring defense during 2001-02, held the Commodores to just 30 points and caused 15 first half turnovers. During one stretch, the 'Dores were held scoreless for 3:30. Freije provided most of the 1st half offense which was highlighted by his first of two 4-point plays on the night.

Vanderbilt turned up the defensive pressure as well by holding the Lions to a mere 38% shooting in the first half. Amir Abdur-Rahim, the Lions returning leading scorer and brother of NBA star Shareef Abdur-Rahim, was held scoreless in the first half on 0-8 shooting and 3 turnovers. At times the intensity was a little much as the Commodores were whistled for 11 personal fouls and put SLU in the bonus after only 8:44.

Freshman Julian Terrell made an immediate impact off the bench. Terrell blocked a shot on his first defensive possession and then raced down the court to finish with a thundering dunk to bring the 6,119 Memorial Gym fans to their feet. Terrell finished the game with 7 points and 3 rebounds.

After the slow start offensively, the Commodores got on track in the second half by pounding the ball inside to sophomore Brian Thornton which helped Vanderbilt to a 15-2 run. Thornton had his way in the paint as he scored 15 points and 7 rebounds on 5-8 shooting with most of his buckets coming at point blank range.

Sophomore Jason Holwerda had a big night as he logged a career high 12 points with 10 coming in the second half. Holwerda helped fuel the second half run as he nailed 1 of his 2 three pointers on the night. Perhaps the most spectacular play of the game came when freshman Mario Moore tossed a halfcourt alley-oop to Holwerda who jammed it through with authority. The 'Dores converted six dunks on the night.

The Commodores return to action Sunday night at 7 pm to host Alabama A&M.

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