Anderson and McElhiney Complete Home Career With 72-60 Upset Over No. 4 LSU 3/2/03

Seniors Chantelle Anderson and Ashley McElhiney completed their careers in Memorial Gym with a 12-point upset over No. 4 LSU 72-60 Sunday afternoon in Nashville, Tenn. Anderson had a game-high 24 points and four rebounds while McElhiney controlled the offense by adding to her Vanderbilt career assist record with four for the game. Junior Jenni Benningfield continued her sensational season as she had 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Anderson, a Naismith finalist, dominated the game in the post, but she was not alone. Several Commodores scored at will at point blank range as a result of a precise offense.

LSU came into the game with one of the best freshmen in the nation in Seimone Augustus who leads the Tigers in scoring at 15 points per game. Augustus, who scored eight points in the first half, was shut down in the second and only added four in the second stanza to finish with 12 for the game.

The 7,312 in attendance was loud as ever on senior night. One of the loudest moments came at the end of the first half when Benningfield drew her 29th charge of the season that preserved the 30-28 halftime lead for the Commodores.

Vanderbilt also held a bookdrive to benefit the Charles Davis Foundation. Those fans that came to Memorial Gym with a book received admission to the game free of charge.

The second half would be more of the same from Vanderbilt. The Commodores pounded the ball into the paint where Vanderbilt had a 36-28 advantage for the game. The Tigers had no answer for Anderson.

With the Commodores holding a 10 point lead, sophomore Abi Ramsey made perhaps the play of the game. Ramsey, as she does so often, recorded her fifth steal of the game when she anticipated the LSU inbounds pass, got fouled on the play, and sank both free throws to seal the victory. Ramsey finished the game with seven points, five rebounds, and one three-pointer.

Although LSU nailed a few three-pointers down the stretch, the Tigers would never threaten again. LSU was led in scoring by Doneeka Hodges who had 14 points on the afternoon.

The game was concluded by an emotional series of events for the two seniors. McElhiney and Anderson were given flowers, joined by their parents, and were treated to a special video encapsulating their tremendous careers. Finally, they said a few words to the enormous crowd that stayed around following the game.

The Commodores will next play in the SEC tournament held in Little Rock, Ark. Check vucommodores.com for updated info relating to the tournament.