Vanderbilt pulls away late to beat Alcorn State

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Freshman Simi Shittu scored 20 points and senior Joe Toye added 14, and Vanderbilt beat Alcorn State 79-54 Friday night.

Shittu, a 6-foot-10 power forward, was a force inside, hitting 9 of 11 shots from the floor.

Vanderbilt freshman Darius Garland, who entered the game tied for second in scoring in the Southeastern Conference, was held to a season-low three points — 18.5 below his average. The point guard missed 5 of 6 from the floor, but he had seven rebounds and four assists. Matt Ryan added 12 points as the Notre Dame transfer hit four 3-pointers.

Matthew Moyer, who was granted an NCAA waiver earlier in the week, had a team-high eight rebounds and five points in his Vanderbilt debut after transferring from Syracuse in the summer. The NCAA allowed the 6-foot-8 forward to play immediately instead of sitting out one year.

Troymain Crosby led Alcorn State with 11 points and Deshawn Andrews had 10. The Braves shot just 32 percent from the floor.

Vanderbilt had a 16-2 edge in fast-break points and a 42-22 advantage on points in the paint.

Vanderbilt couldn't find a steady rhythm in the first half, but still managed to take a 37-29 lead.

Alcorn State's Alonzo Campbell, a 7-foot center, was helped off the court, favoring his right hip 19 seconds into the second half.

Alcorn State faces another SEC team when it visits Mississippi State on Nov. 26.

BIG PICTURE

Alcorn State: The Braves stayed within striking range until the Commodores pulled away late.

Vanderbilt: After demolishing the Braves by 39 points last season the Commodores got a much tougher battle this time, especially during the first 30 minutes.

UP NEXT

Alcorn State visits Kent State Sunday in the second of a five straight road games.

Vanderbilt hosts Liberty on Monday in the second of a four-game homestand.

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