Vanderbilt Hotline: On Byars, Second Place, and Hosers

First off, Derrick Byars rules. He dropped a career-high 32 points last night, as the Commies moved into a tie for second place in the SEC East with Kentucky. Derrick had 19 points at the half and hit a key three with 7:58 to put the Commies up 58-57. They didn't trail again. Byards 11 of 15 shooting paced the Dores, who after a slow start, finished the game shooting 57% from the field. While Derrick was basically the only source of offense for the Commies in the first, Shan scored all 14 of this points in the second to help bring the win home. Alex Gordon added 14, and Dan Cage poured in an additional 11. Ross Neltner continues to disappoint on the offensive end, only attempting 2 shots and scoring a whopping 3 points.

Vanderbilt only lead by 2 at the half, and got off to a slow start, the Commies were able to shoot themselves out of trouble in the first, going 54% from behind the arc. While they cooled off in the second (only shot 38%), the Gamecocks only managed to hit 3 of 16 from downtown in the second.

While South Carolina came into the game 2-8 in conference, they have had Vanderbilt's number as of late. Going into last night's game, Dave Odom's cocks had won 6 of their last 7 in Memorial. Vanderbilt needed this win to get a little confidence going into a Saturday's match-up with Florida at Memorial. The Gators struggled at home against Bama, trailing 11 at the half, but ultimately pulling out a 10 point victory (exactly the same storyline as the Commies faced in Gainesville a few weeks back). That game will be on CBS and a must-see for everyone out there in Commodore Nation. Everything you need to know about the Florida match-up that we know will be available tomorrow. That game is at 1pm EST.

The Lady Commies play tonight in Starkville. Vanderbilt is currently on a 4 game winning streak, and won their last meeting at Mississippi State in double overtime.

SEC Pick'em is off to a great start. I am currently 11-1 after going 5-0 last night. Just as a warning to everyone out there, I won't stop, because I can't stop. Full results and Saturday's games will be up shortly.

Hoser of the Week nominations are heating up. Right now, Kevin Stallings, Shavlik Randolph, A.J. Smith, and Tim Hardaway are leading the field. I would like to add an additional nominee, Colorado Coach Dan Hawkins' anonymous letter writer. Just like this blog, they are Division I. Get your two cents in, this week's hoser will be announced tomorrow.

Finally, #3 Vanderbilt Baseball has a three-game series against Ohio starting tomorrow in Nashville. Woody will have a preview up shortly.