Southeastern’s upset bid falls just short at Vanderbilt, 78-70

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt University hit 11 three-pointers to hold off a game Southeastern Louisiana men’s basketball team’s upset attempt, 78-70, Monday night at Memorial Gym in front of 8,589 fans.

The Lions (2-5) were led by Ty Brewer who scored a career-high 25 points. The sophomore from Meridian, Mississippi shot 11-for-16 from the field and snatched 12 rebounds on his way to recording his third double-double of the season. Brandon Gonzalez added 11 points for SLU while Byron Smith and Von Julien each had nine points to pace Southeastern.

“We played hard,” said Brewer. “I think as we keep playing we will learn to minimize some of the mistakes and be able to win some of these games that we were close to winning this week.”

Vanderbilt (5-1) had five players score in double figures led by Maxwell Evans with 16. Scotty Pippen Jr. added 15 points with five assists. Aaron Nesmith, Saban Lee and Dylan Disu scored 14, 12 and 11 respectively.

Nesmith, a preseason second team All-SEC selection, entered the game averaging 25.3 points per game which was sixth in the nation. The Lions held the sophomore to a season low in scoring (14).

Southeastern battled the Commodores step-for-step for 40 minutes as they opened the game on a 10-3 run. Vanderbilt cut into the lead halfway through the first half but SLU still led 20-16 with 10:13 to go in the half.

The Commodores were able to take a minimal lead at halftime, 33-31, setting the stage for competitive finish.

In the second half, with the game tied at 42-42, the Commodores went on an 11-2 run to open up a 53-44 lead. The Lions battled back cutting the Vanderbilt lead to 57-52 with 8:18 left. SLU continued to battle as they trimmed the deficit to four, 63-59, with 4:37 left.

However, Vanderbilt was able to hold off the hungry Lions thanks to a couple of three-pointers by Evans. The Commodores finished the game on a 15-7 run to keep the Lions at bay and turn away SLU’s valiant attempt at the upset.

“I thought we played hard for 40 minutes,” said SLU men’s head basketball coach David Kiefer. “But they went on a run at about the 5-minute mark that we couldn’t overcome. “

SLU outrebounded the Commodores 42-40 and had 28 field goals to 24 for Vanderbilt. However, the Lions shot just 1-for-17 from the three-point line while the Commodores were 11-for-30.

“You got to give credit to Vanderbilt for that,” said Kiefer. “I thought we got some good looks, but I thought they did a good job of contesting the three-point line all night. We just have to keep shooting with confidence and the shots will start falling.”

Monday’s game completes a three-game eight-day road trip that saw the Lions compete hard in all three games.

“I wish we would have come away with a win,” said Kiefer. “But I thought we got better and were more connected as a unit. I’m excited about what the future holds. But we will take some time off from each other and enjoy some time with our families and then get back after it Friday.”

The Lions will be back in action Tuesday, Dec. 3 when they take on UL Lafayette at 7 p.m. on the road.

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