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Commodores Can't Keep Pace With Texas, Comeback Falls Short in 70-64 Loss

Vanderbilt basketball missed an opportunity to notch a win over a major-conference opponent on Monday, falling to Texas on the road. Texas native Eric McClellan led a Commodore team that couldn't buy a basket until late in this game with 22 points.

By Christian D'Andrea
Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Vanderbilt couldn't find their shot on Monday, and it cost them a chance to record a key non-conference win. The Commodores shot under 40 percent from the field en route to a 70-64 loss in Austin.

Vandy was out-rebounded and out-shot as their last-minute rally fell short, dropping the team to 4-3 on the season. The 'Dores fell behind 8-2 four minutes into this game and never caught up in the loss. Kevin Stallings's team was unable to put any big runs together, failing to score more than six points in a row at any point during the night as the Longhorns maintained their healthy lead.

That six-point rally gave this team hope late in the game. A Josh Henderson jumper put the 'Dores within three points of Texas with under three minutes to play, but Vandy immediately surrendered five straight points to Isaiah Taylor that looked like it would seal the win for the home team. However, the 'Dores were able to cut UT's lead to 63-62 with 30 seconds left in the game thanks to some timely free throws from Eric McClellan and a huge steal and follow-up dunk from the transfer point guard.

Texas made a pair of free throws to stretch that lead to three, and then Vandy turned the ball over on the ensuing play when Rod Odom tripped over teammate Luke Kornet as the 'Dores attempted to set up a game-tying three-pointer.

Josh Henderson was the most efficient Commodore on the court, scoring 12 points on 5-8 shooting from the floor. He also added three rebounds and three steals. Eric McClellan led Vandy with 22 points. Vandy's starters combined to shoot 33.3% from the field in defeat.

Vanderbilt's third loss was another exercise in late-game frustration for the team. The 'Dores lost to Butler despite a late-game rally that sent that matchup into overtime. Against Providence, Vandy coughed up a 16-point lead over the game's final 10 minutes. While the 'Dores put together a valiant comeback effort on Monday, it wasn't enough for the team to record their first win over a major-conference opponent this winter.

The Commodores will return home on Thursday to face Marshall.

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