Vanderbilt defeats Memphis 70-77
Vanderbilt Stuns Memphis at FedExForum, 77-70
In a thrilling non-conference matchup, Vanderbilt (away team) edged out Memphis (home team), 77-70, on Friday night at the FedExForum. The Commodores' win marks their first against the Tigers since 2018.
The game's turning point came in the second half when Vanderbilt's Duke Miles and Dug McDaniel formed a potent scoring duo. Miles, who scored 22 points, including four three-pointers, kept Memphis' defense at bay with his all-around performance. Meanwhile, McDaniel chipped in with 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
A Turnaround Performance
The Commodores trailed by as few as five points midway through the first half but managed to stay afloat behind Vanderbilt's strong shooting. This momentum carried over into the second half when Miles and McDaniel continued their scoring spree, while also providing crucial playmaking. Dug McDaniel was instrumental in this aspect, with his five assists helping set up several scoring opportunities for Vanderbilt.
A Balanced Performance
Vanderbilt's offense shot 20/62 from the field (32%), but its free throw shooting proved to be a major difference-maker. The team made an impressive 31 out of 40 attempts from the charity stripe, accounting for nearly half their points scored in the contest.
The Commodores' defense held Memphis' big men to just eight rebounds total, limiting the Tigers' ability to control the paint and rebounding opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Vanderbilt's win over Memphis was a testament to its ability to adapt under pressure. The team displayed resilience in overcoming early deficits and ultimately capitalizing on scoring opportunities when presented to them.
The loss for Memphis marked their first home game of the season against an unranked opponent, providing valuable experience in preparation for upcoming conference games.
In summary, Vanderbilt's victory over Memphis was a hard-fought win that showcased both teams' strengths. The Commodores demonstrated their potential as they continue into the non-conference schedule, while the Tigers remain focused on building up to their conference slate.