Dec. 11, 2003

Box Score

Memphis, Tenn. - The University of Memphis women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season dropping a 73-49 decision to unbeaten Vanderbilt Thursday at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. Senior Hillary Hager paced the Commodores (7-0) with a season-high 25 points and Memphis-native Ashley Earley added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Memphis dug in early hole as Vanderbilt raced out to an 11-0 lead in the opening 4:27 as the visitors hit four of their first five attempts from the field. The Lady Tigers struggled early not making a field goal until a jumper by guard Jennifer Sullivan ended the drought just over five minutes into the game.

Freshman guard Devin Necaise brought the Lady Tigers within six at 26-20 with back-to-back three pointers, but that would be as close as Memphis would come. Necaise finished with a team-high 12 points on four treys. The Commodores quickly built their lead to 14 with an 8-2 run to close the half.

After shooting 56.5 percent in the opening half, the Commodores continued its hot shooting after the break increasing their lead to a game-high 27 points on two occasions. Vanderbilt finished with a 54.9 percent clip from the field while holding the Lady Tigers to 32.8 percent for the game.

Vanderbilt center Jenni Benningfield scored in double-digits for the seventh straight game chipping in 15 points. The Commodores also held a distinct advantage in foul shots attempting 18 to just three for the Lady Tigers.

Memphis returns to action Saturday at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.