The Vanderbilt Commodores (8-4) never trailed this past Monday night at Memorial Gym, but the visitors made a last minute push in hopes of a miraculous ending. Nevertheless, the Atlantic 10 conference representative fell on the short end of the stick, getting no closer than five points, as the black and gold managed to hold on. The final score was 76-71.

The Commodores got on the board first in the opening seconds, to take the only lead they would need, due to the fact they would never relinquish it. Yet, the Davidson Wildcats (6-6) still had an outside shot in the end, at pulling out a victory. The Commodores went the final 13 minutes of the game without a made field goal.

Vandy lit the nets on fire in the first half, scoring 44 points. They finished the game 22 of 47 from the floor, shooting only 47% from the field. However, the black and gold shot 60% from behind the arc.

Leading scorer, Aaron Nesmith entered the game averaging 23 points. He was held to just four first half points. He finished the game with 17 points. Scottie Pippen Jr. led Vanderbilt with 18 points. Saben Lee added his 11. Dylan Disu had his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Commodores had a season high for made free-throws in a game. They went 25-37 from the line. They would prove to need every one of them.

Kellan Grady, Davidson’s leading scorer, led them again with 16 points. Carter Collins followed with 13. Jon Axel Gudmunsson added 12. Mike Jones and Hyunjung Lee each had 10 points respectively.

The Commodores begin the new year, hosts to the SMU Mustangs this upcoming Saturday night at Memorial Gym. Tipoff is at 7 PM.