In a surprising turn of events, the Presbyterian Blue Hose, who entered the game as 17.5-point underdogs, secured a thrilling 68-62 victory against Vanderbilt in both teams’ season opener in Nashville on Tuesday night.
Despite the odds stacked against them, the Blue Hose demonstrated their mettle. Jamahri Harvey led the way with 13 points, while Crosby James and Kaleb Scott contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively. It’s worth noting that Presbyterian had faced a challenging situation, losing their top two scorers from the previous season, ending with 18 consecutive losses. In the preseason media poll, they were picked to finish last in the Big South Conference.
However, Presbyterian defied expectations. Last season, they ranked last in the Big South in field-goal percentage at 42%, but they significantly improved by shooting an impressive 51% in this game.
On the Vanderbilt side, Ezra Manjon led with 19 points, but the Commodores faced struggles throughout the game. They managed to convert only 32.8% of their field goals and 59.3% from the foul line. Turnovers also plagued them, with 15 compared to Presbyterian’s 14.
Vanderbilt made a late push to close the gap, with Manjon’s free throw at the 1:02 mark bringing them within eight points. He then sank two 3-pointers at the 26- and 10-second marks, reducing the deficit to just four points.
Presbyterian’s Marquis Barnett secured the victory with two successful free throws in the final seven seconds of the game.
Vanderbilt faced additional challenges, missing key starters like Tyrin Lawrence, a preseason second-team All-Southeastern Conference pick, and Ven Allen Lubin, a transfer from Notre Dame, due to injuries. Reserve center Lee Dort was also sidelined with an injury.
Vanderbilt had held a four-point lead at halftime, extending it to 32-26 early in the second half. However, it was Presbyterian’s resilient performance in the latter part of the game that secured the upset victory. Kobe Stewart’s pull-up jumper tied the game at 34, and Crosby James’s 3-pointer at the 11:11 mark gave Presbyterian a lead they maintained for the rest of the game.
Presbyterian continued to extend their advantage with another James 3-pointer at the 9:03 mark, giving them their first double-digit lead of the game. Jonah Pierce’s powerful dunk and layup further solidified their victory, reaching a 15-point lead.
Vanderbilt had dominated most of the first half but struggled after point guard Ezra Manjon was sidelined for the final 16:13 of the half due to foul trouble.
