Vanderbilt (10-20, 2-15) started out strong and finished strong in Tuscaloosa. The Commodores took a seven-point lead into the half and never stopped scoring in an 87-79 win over Alabama (16-14, 8-9). It snapped a 17-game Southeastern Conference road losing streak.
While this served as Vanderbilt's second conference win, it severely damaged the Crimson Tide's hopes of dancing in March.
Saben Lee has to be an all-time favorite at Vanderbilt when he is done
I don't know that I can compare him to any other player that I have seen on the college level.
The last three years have been the worst in the program's history and perhaps the worst of any Power Five team over this time span. Furthermore, the responsibilities that have been put on Lee's shoulders would make many melt. His last two teams have lost Darius Garland, Aaron Nesmith, and Clevon Brown with season had perhaps career ending injuries.
Lee's ability and fortitude to constantly and consistently put the team on his back night in and night out without showing any frustration has been admirable. Tuesday night's performance may have been as impressive as anything he has ever done.
In a game full of big-time guards, Lee was on another level. He had 20 points, and he added 18 more in the second, for 38 points on 14 of 20 shooting. He was also a scintillating six of seven from deep.
There is no doubt that Lee will play professionally at one level or another, Don't be surprised if we don't start hearing NBA Draft talk.
Vanderbllt had another solid first half
On most nights, playing strong in the first 20 minutes has not been an issue for VU. Tuesday night was no exception. The Commodores took a 42-35 lead at half.
Here is the thing that has impressed me about Vandy: It's clearly outmanned on both nights, but it don't try to hold the score down and make it a grind. It plays confidently and looks to attack.
On the way to the seven-point lead, Vanderbilt shot 50 percent from the field, made 6 of 14 3s (42.9 percent), made made 6-of-8 free throws while out-rebounding the Tide 18-14.
This time, Vandy finished the game
With Jordan Wright remaining in Nashville a short Vanderbilt bench was more bare than usual. At times it appeared that the frantic pace might be too much, but the Commodores pushed through the fatigue and closed out the game like there was never any doubt.
They stayed on fire offensively for 40 minutes. The Commodores ended up shooting 55.6 percent from the field and 53.6 percent from deep. As hot as they were in the first half with 42 points, they were even more impressive with 45 in the second.
One has to wonder how VU would have done with a healthy Nesmith and Brown.
The freshmen contributed
After a dominating first half by Lee, Dylan Disu and Scotty Pippen Jr. helped in the second.
Disu ended up with 14 points and eight rebounds. He.made 4 of 9 long balls.
Pippen also ran the team beautifully and finished with 13 points, four assists, and thee rebounds.
A win like this helps take good vibes into the off-season
Any win is good, but to do this in the last week of the regular season will leave a good taste in the players' mouths no matter what happens this weekend and in the Southeastern Conference Tournament.
In Lee, the Commodores have an All-SEC type performer who can carry the team on his back. Disu and Pippen have left no doubts that they will have nice college careers. The addition of D.J. Harvey along with the possible return of Brown presents the possibility for the best starting lineup in a number of seasons in the West End.
Maybe this is overkill after a great win, but we can all agree that this is one to enjoy.
While this served as Vanderbilt's second conference win, it severely damaged the Crimson Tide's hopes of dancing in March.
Saben Lee has to be an all-time favorite at Vanderbilt when he is done
I don't know that I can compare him to any other player that I have seen on the college level.
The last three years have been the worst in the program's history and perhaps the worst of any Power Five team over this time span. Furthermore, the responsibilities that have been put on Lee's shoulders would make many melt. His last two teams have lost Darius Garland, Aaron Nesmith, and Clevon Brown with season had perhaps career ending injuries.
Lee's ability and fortitude to constantly and consistently put the team on his back night in and night out without showing any frustration has been admirable. Tuesday night's performance may have been as impressive as anything he has ever done.
In a game full of big-time guards, Lee was on another level. He had 20 points, and he added 18 more in the second, for 38 points on 14 of 20 shooting. He was also a scintillating six of seven from deep.
There is no doubt that Lee will play professionally at one level or another, Don't be surprised if we don't start hearing NBA Draft talk.
Vanderbllt had another solid first half
On most nights, playing strong in the first 20 minutes has not been an issue for VU. Tuesday night was no exception. The Commodores took a 42-35 lead at half.
Here is the thing that has impressed me about Vandy: It's clearly outmanned on both nights, but it don't try to hold the score down and make it a grind. It plays confidently and looks to attack.
On the way to the seven-point lead, Vanderbilt shot 50 percent from the field, made 6 of 14 3s (42.9 percent), made made 6-of-8 free throws while out-rebounding the Tide 18-14.
This time, Vandy finished the game
With Jordan Wright remaining in Nashville a short Vanderbilt bench was more bare than usual. At times it appeared that the frantic pace might be too much, but the Commodores pushed through the fatigue and closed out the game like there was never any doubt.
They stayed on fire offensively for 40 minutes. The Commodores ended up shooting 55.6 percent from the field and 53.6 percent from deep. As hot as they were in the first half with 42 points, they were even more impressive with 45 in the second.
One has to wonder how VU would have done with a healthy Nesmith and Brown.
The freshmen contributed
After a dominating first half by Lee, Dylan Disu and Scotty Pippen Jr. helped in the second.
Disu ended up with 14 points and eight rebounds. He.made 4 of 9 long balls.
Pippen also ran the team beautifully and finished with 13 points, four assists, and thee rebounds.
A win like this helps take good vibes into the off-season
Any win is good, but to do this in the last week of the regular season will leave a good taste in the players' mouths no matter what happens this weekend and in the Southeastern Conference Tournament.
In Lee, the Commodores have an All-SEC type performer who can carry the team on his back. Disu and Pippen have left no doubts that they will have nice college careers. The addition of D.J. Harvey along with the possible return of Brown presents the possibility for the best starting lineup in a number of seasons in the West End.
Maybe this is overkill after a great win, but we can all agree that this is one to enjoy.
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