SYRACUSE, NEW YORK (TICKER) -- Jenni Benningfield scored 19 points as No. 8 Vanderbilt won its second straight to open the season with a 73-65 victory over Syracuse.

Vanderbilt (2-0) remained perfect under new coach Melanie Balcomb and kept Syracuse winless, although it was not easy. The Commodores had a slim 37-34 halftime edge and never managed to fully shake the Orangewomen.

Ashley Earley came off the bench for 11 points and six rebounds to help make up for an uneven effort by Chantelle Anderson. Anderson, a Naismith Award candidate, made 5-of-7 shots for 11 points while also being harassed into seven turnovers.

Commodores point guard Ashley McIlhiney handed out 11 of the team's 19 assists. Vanderbilt shot 46 percent (24-of-52).

Syracuse (0-3) got 16 points and 11 rebounds from Tierra Jackson and fell to 0-2 all-time against Vanderbilt.