Women's Basketball Holds Off Visiting Crimson Tide, 80-69 2/6/03
McElhiney becomes 22nd Vanderbilt to eclipse 1,000 point barrier

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In front of a Memorial Gymnasium crowd of 3,114, the 19th-ranked Vanderbilt women's basketball team held off a feverish second-half charge by the Crimson Tide of Alabama to even its Southeastern Conference mark at 4-4 with an 80-69 victory Thursday evening. With the win, the Commodores improve to 14-7 overall, while the Crimson Tide fall 11-10 overall and 1-7 in the conference.

The early story of the game was senior Chantelle Anderson, who entered the game questionable after dislocating her big right toe against Tennessee last Sunday. Despite the injury, Anderson made her 126th consecutive start for the Commodores on Thursday evening.

The big story of the night, however, was senior Ashley McElhiney, who continued to reach milestones in her career. She became the 22nd player in Vanderbilt women's basketball history to reach the 1,000 point plateau. She entered the evening only needing 10 points to reach the exclusive club. She earned her 1,001 point on a three-point basket at the 5:42 mark of the first half. Back on December 22 against Tennessee-Martin, she set the Vanderbilt all-time record for assists with 517. The previous assist record was held by Ginger Jared (1993-96).

Neither team played outstanding ball in the first half, but Vanderbilt was able to stretch the lead out in the later portion of the half to take a 34-16 lead into the intermission. The Commodores shot an even 50 percent from the floor (13-for-26), while the Crimson Tide only made six shots in the half and finished 33 percent from the floor (6-for-18).

McElhiney and junior Jenni Benningfield were Vanderbilt's offense for the first 20 minutes. McElhiney finished with 14 points on 5-for-8 shooting and dished out four assists, while Benningfield chipped in with seven points and six rebounds. Anderson was limited to only eight minutes in the first half after picking up two fouls.

Alabama guard Monique Bivins led the Crimson Tide with six. Both of her baskets came from three-point range; however, they came in the first three minutes of the game. Alabama held a slim 10-9 lead at the 12:53 mark of the half, but Vanderbilt went on a 25-6 run to close out the half.

Despite trailing by 18 points at half, the Crimson Tide came out in the second half with their guns up and made an incredible run to cut into the Commodores' lead. Through the first eight-plus minutes of the half, Alabama outscored Vanderbilt 24-11 to cut the margin to seven points (47-40).

The Crimson Tide cut the lead to five with a little more than nine minutes remaining, but that would be the closest they would get. Both teams shot the lights out in the second half, as Vanderbilt went 15-for-21 for 71 percent, while Alabama went 21-for-39 for 54 percent. For the game, the Commodores shot an incredible 60 percent, while the Crimson Tide finished strong at 47 percent.

Vanderbilt head coach Melanie Balcomb's squad had four players in double figures. Benningfield led the Commodores with 19 points, while McElhiney, Anderson and junior Hillary Hager finished with, 18, 15 and 13 points, respectively. Benningfield also recorded her 12th double-double of the season, as she grabbed 11 rebounds. Along with her 18 points and seven assists, McElhiney tied a career high with five three-point baskets. Anderson, who battled with foul trouble most of the evening, went 7-for-7 from the floor.

Alabama was led by forward Natasha Gamble, who turned 15 points and 10 rebounds. Shun Hunter came off the bench to score 13 points on 6-for-7 shooting.

Vanderbilt will now hit the road for the first of two-consecutive home games, when it takes on Kentucky at 2 p.m. Sunday in Lexington. The Commodores and Wildcats squared off on January 19, with Vanderbilt picking up a convincing victory, 84-50. The Commodores lead the all-time series 18-12 and have the last five meetings.