Dec. 10, 2002

Box Score

NASHVILLE, TN - No. 9 Vanderbilt University shot 59.6% from the field and used a 24-0 first half run en route to posting a comfortable 98-51 win over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in women's basketball action here Tuesday (Dec. 10). The Commodores connected on 58.6% of their shots in the first half and held UWM to 13.6% shooting while forcing 18 turnovers in grabbing a 56-13 halftime lead. Milwaukee scored 38 points in a strong second half but the damage had already been done. Vandy improves to 5-1 on the year while UWM falls to 3-5 on the season.

"We are a young team and we just didn't handle Vanderbilt's pressure very well," UWM head coach Sandy Botham said. "We play these games for a reason and hopefully we will be better for it come conference play. But, Vanderbilt is very, very good and you have to play better than we did to have a chance to win."

Kimberly Becker played strong inside, posting a team-high 14 points, 10 of which came in the second half. The 14 points tie a career high for Becker, set earlier this year versus Oklahoma State. Maria Viall, plagued by foul trouble all night, ended with 13 points and a team-best five rebounds. Freshman Anne Witte added nine points on three, three-point baskets.

"Kimberly played with no fear tonight and that's what it takes at this level," noted Botham. "She was filling the gaps, going to the hole, and getting to the free throw line. It was a great night for her individually."

Vanderbilt was led by senior All-American Chantelle Anderson's 22 points, while Abi Ramsey added 18 points off the bench, thanks to five first half tri-fectas. The Commodores outrebounded UWM 35-30 while dishing out 29 assists and commiting just 17 turnovers. Meanwhile, Milwaukee turned the ball over 30 times on the night while handing out just nine helpers.

UWM returns home from the week-long road trip to face New Hampshire Friday (Dec. 13) at 7:00 p.m. in the Klotsche Center.