Nashville
In an exciting game on Wednesday night, the Vanderbilt Commodores secured a commanding 85-69 victory over the California Golden Bears at Memorial Gymnasium. This win marks Vanderbilt’s third straight victory, improving their record to 3-0 for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
The Game Breakdown
Vanderbilt’s impressive performance was highlighted by a strong second half, where Jason Edwards scored 14 of his 18 points. Teammate Devin McGlockton contributed significantly with 16 points, while Tyler Tanner and MJ Collins Jr. also made notable contributions.
The Commodores started the game strong, taking a solid lead of 49-31 at halftime. They showcased excellent accuracy, shooting 62% from the field in the first half, despite hitting only 2 of 11 from beyond the arc. Their defensive prowess was evident, as they recorded 18 steals, the most steals in a game for Vanderbilt since 1998.
California Highlights
The Golden Bears, coming off a 2-0 start for the first time since 2019-20, were led by Andrej Stojakovic, who scored 17 points. BJ Omot added 15 points, while DJ Campbell and Jovan Blacksher Jr. chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Despite their efforts, Cal struggled to maintain momentum against Vanderbilt’s robust defense.
At one point in the game, California narrowed the gap to 61-52, but Vanderbilt quickly responded. Key steals by Grant Huffman and AJ Hoggard led to fast-break opportunities, propelling the Commodores’ lead back up to 68-52. Tanner’s key three-pointer further solidified their control of the game.
Other Games on Wednesday
In addition to Vanderbilt’s victory, other collegiate matchups unfolded across the country. North Dakota State stunned Santa Clara with an 88-80 overtime win. The Bison’s late-game heroics included a fast-break three-pointer by Jacari Brown, followed by clutch free throws by Brennan Watkins at the end of regulation to force overtime.
Dakota State dominated the overtime period, outscoring Santa Clara 18-10 to secure the win. Adama-Alpha Bal led the Broncos with 18 points, while Johnny O’Neil achieved a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
San Francisco’s Dominance
The University of San Francisco also secured a decisive victory, overpowering Long Beach State 84-54. The Dons showcased excellent shooting, as their starters went 22-of-35 from the field, leading to a strong second half performance and contributing to their unbeaten record of 3-0.
Women’s Basketball Highlights
In women’s action, Nunu Agara achieved career highs with 25 points and 10 rebounds, helping No. 24 Stanford pull away late for a 69-56 win over UC Davis. Despite a slow start, Stanford dominated the rebounding battle 41-24, illustrating their control of the game as they prepare to face Indiana on Sunday.
Looking Ahead
As the college basketball season continues, teams like Vanderbilt and Stanford are building momentum and demonstrating their potential early in the season. With several more games approaching, fans can expect more thrilling action and intense competition on the court.
