The No. 6/7 Vanderbilt Commodores closed out the 2001-02 regular season with a 72-54 victory over Auburn Sunday at Memorial Gym. The win improves the Commodores' record to 24-6 as they finish the SEC season with a 10-4 mark. It was also senior day for Vanderbilt, as Commodores Jillian Danker, Zuzi Klimesova, and Candice Storey made their final regular season appearance in Memorial Gym.

The Commodores opened up the game strong, putting together a 11-0 run as they made five of eight from the floor while the Tigers missed their first eight shot attempts. Vanderbilt kept their offensive attack going as they pulled out to a 17-point lead at 28-11. An Auburn 9-0 run got the Tigers to within eight points with four minutes left before halftime. Vanderbilt responded with a 7-2 run to end the half and took a 35-22 advantage into the intermission. The Commodores came out of the break strong and extended their lead to 20 in the first four minutes after the break. Vanderbilt would keep that advantage for most of the second half, as they closed out the 18 point win.

Chantelle Anderson led the way for Vanderbilt as she scored 19 points. Klimesova added 14 points for Vanderbilt. Auburn (15-12, 3-11) was led by Le'Coe Willingham's 17 points.

With the victory, the Commodores clinch the No. 3 seed for the upcoming SEC Tournament at the Gaylord Entertainment Center. After a first round bye, the Commodores will play their quarterfinal game on Friday, March 1, at 8:15 p.m. CT. VU plays the winner of the Florida/Auburn contest.

Vanderbilt Head Coach Jim Foster:

"The seniors have helped us get back to where we want to be as a program. They have helped to build our foundation. We want to finish positively to finish off their careers."

"We did a great job of sharing and moving the ball against a very good defensive team. I am very pleased that on 27 baskets we had 22 assists."

"This team has gotten into focus. We have been playing purposefully on offense and aggresively on defense."

Vanderbilt Forward Zuzi Klimesova:

"Today was very special for me. This program has helped me to grow. It was great to play in front of my family. The fans were great. Knowing that you have made a difference in their lives and them in yours, is a great feeling."

Vanderbilt Center Candice Storey:

"Just to clarify, I am not coming back next year. This is it. It was nice to enjoy senior day with my uniform on this year. It was great to share it with my teammates."

Auburn Head Coach Joe Ciampi:

"We know Vanderbilt is a great shooting team. When you let a great shooting team get the looks we gave them early, the results are obvious."