Harbison and Garraud secure Vanderbilt the win over UK

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt’s Ciaja Harbison found Marnelle Garraud streaking down the court for a layup to open the game against Kentucky. Demi Washington hit a 3-pointer to score the final points for the Commodores.

This is a fitting book for a day when Vanderbilt women’s basketball celebrates its seniors.

Graduate guards Harbison and Garraud combined for 47 points as Vanderbilt used a straddling half of Blitz scores to pull away from the Wildcats in a 79-57 victory Saturday afternoon at Memorial Gymnasium.

Vanderbilt (12-16, 3-11 SEC) went on a 24-2 run that spanned the second and third quarters, including the first 14 points of the second half, to take control and pull ahead of Kentucky (10-16, 2-). 12 SEC) in the SEC standings.

“I know it’s been a year full of adversity for our team, but that doesn’t define us,” Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph said. “I think our response was decisive, and today they responded well in the second half and I’m really happy for the seniors to win.”

Harbison finished with a game-high 24 points on 8 of 17 shooting, five assists and four steals. Garraud scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half and was 9 of 17 from the field. It was the first time both had scored 20-plus points in the same game, and both finished with a game-high five assists.

Coming off of a career-high scoring performance against Alabama, Vandy sophomore Sacha Washington had a season-best rebounding performance against Kentucky. Washington finished with 15 points and 15 rebounds for his second straight double-double.

The team played a low-scoring first half, combining for 26 turnovers and missing 35 shots. Sacha Washington helped end Kentucky’s 7-0 run in the first quarter by blocking two shots and then dishing a beautiful bounce pass to Harbison for a layup to pull the Dores within 13-11.

After Kentucky took a six-point lead in the second quarter, Vanderbilt’s offense began to thrive. The Commodores ended the half on a 10-2 run to take a 24-22 lead with Harbison and Sacha Washington combining to score all 10 points in the run.

Vandy exploded out of the gates in the second half with 14 straight points to extend their run to 24-2. Garraud launched an outburst with three consecutive layups to start the third quarter. Garraud finished the quarter with 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting.

The Wildcats finally stopped the run with a free throw by Amiya Jenkins, but Vandy’s offense didn’t stop. The Dores outscored the Wildcats 28-13 in the third quarter to take a 52-35 lead.

Vanderbilt’s lead ballooned to 30 points midway through the fourth quarter. Demi Washington sealed a perfect 3 for 3 day from the field with a 3-pointer that wrapped up Vandy’s scoring and gave the seniors one last chance to salute.

Vanderbilt scored 26 points off 22 Kentucky turnovers and limited the Wildcats to 39 percent shooting (22 of 56). Dores shot 46 percent (29 of 63), including 52.8 in the second half, and went 15 of 17 from the free throw line.

“I think you’re looking at two different teams, and a tough team that understands the importance of hard work and communication,” Ralph said. “All the things we talk about every day about our process. These intangible qualities are very important and separate the average and the good from the great and the elite.”

Senior Moment

Vanderbilt honored the team’s seniors before the game. Yaubryon Chambers, Demi Washington, Harbison and Garraud each received a framed jersey, including an action photo, after being escorted to the floor by family members.

Chambers and Washington have been with the program for four seasons while Harbison and Garraud are in their first seasons as Commodores after arriving as graduate transfers.

Vanderbilt also recognized Kentucky seniors Robyn Benton, Blair Green and Adebola Adeyeye.

Ryanne without shoes

Vandy freshman guard Ryanne Allen played nearly a minute of the second quarter without a shoe. Allen lost his right shoe at the back of the attack from the floor and looked a bit in his socks when he tried to move. Allen threw a stray shoe to the sideline and ran back on defense.

The Dores returned to the offensive end of the floor before the whistle finally blew to stop the game. Someone threw Allen’s shoe back at him. He laced up and stayed in the game.

Player Notes

• Garraud has now scored in double figures in 12 straight games.
• It was the eighth straight contest that Harbison has scored in double digits.
• Sacha Washington reached double figures with his 15th career rebound.
• Harbison has had at least five assists 14 times this season, the third time Garraud has accomplished the feat.
• The duo has also finished with multiple steals in back-to-back outings.

Series history

Vanderbilt extended its lead in the all-time series with the Wildcats to 32-27, including an 18-8 home run.

Next: Vanderbilt hosts LSU on Thursday at 6:30pm (SEC Network+) at Memorial Gymnasium.