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Vanderbilt proved it's more than just a one-man team.
With Matt Freije, the Southeastern Conference's leading scorer, limited to just five points, the 25th-ranked Commodores managed to remain undefeated with a 63-48 victory over Appalachian State on Monday night.
``On a night when our best player was not our best player, the other guys on our team responded admirably,'' said Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings, whose team returned to the Top 25 on Monday for the first time since Feb. 21, 2000.
``It is good recognition for our players and fans,'' he said of the ranking. ``It is nice for our coaches, but it is not something you can dwell on because it is so meaningless in terms of your season. Our job is to continue to take care of the process. Hopefully, we'll continue to win.''
Reserve Mario Moore scored 19 points to lead Vanderbilt to its ninth straight victory. The Commodores' 9-0 start is their best since Vanderbilt was 10-0 in 1973-74 and went on to win the SEC championship.
``We've never been
Top 25 and now we have to play like we are Top 25,'' Moore said of the current
roster. ``We've been taking care of business. Now it is time to show we've earned
our spot.''
Scott Hundley was 4-for-4 from the field and finished with 10 points and four
rebounds for Vanderbilt.
``It doesn't matter how you get there,'' said Stallings, who admitted this was not one of his team's best games. ``There are some teams in the country that have as good a winning percentage, most don't and none have a better one. I'm proud of them and they deserve the attention and credit.''
Julian Terrell returned to the starting lineup after missing a game with a back injury. He had eight points, nine rebounds and a career-high six blocked shots.
``Julian played a good game, very physical and tough,'' Stallings said. ``He gives us a presence in there. He was really good tonight.''
Freije's five points were the fewest since his freshman year. He was 1-for-5 from the field in 17 minutes.
``We've got to have a team effort to win,'' Moore said. ``When (Freije) has a bad night, other guys have to step up and get the job done. Some guys did that tonight.''
Corwin Davis had 11 points for Appalachian State (5-7), while Derek Thomas and Chris McFarland each scored 10.
AP - Dec 22, 10:16 pm EST
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The Mountaineers shot 33 percent for the game and had just five free throw attempts,
making two.
Appalachian State trailed by as many as 19 points in the second half, but went on a 10-0 run that got it within 55-48 with 4:42 to play.
Moore snapped the string with two free throws, then buried a 3-pointer to make it 60-48.
Vanderbilt held Appalachian State scoreless for the final 4:42 of the game.
``They had an off night and still beat us by 15 points,'' Appalachian State coach Houston Fancher said. ``They are a good team. We needed to keep them off balance. When they are in a comfort zone, you are in trouble.''
The Mountaineers led 7-0, but Vanderbilt took the lead for good with a 13-0 spurt. Jason Holwerda had five points during the run and Vanderbilt forced seven turnovers and five missed shots during the five-minute span.
The Commodores led 34-18 at halftime after holding Appalachian State to 31 percent shooting.
Corey Smith's 3-pointer with 14:35 to play in the first half continued Vanderbilt's streak of making at least one 3-pointer in every game since the rule was implemented in 1986-87. Only UNLV and Princeton also have accomplished that feat.
Vanderbilt has won 28 of its last 29 nonconference home games.