The second-largest crowd in LSU women’s basketball history — 8,153 fans — was witness to a dominating performance by the visiting Commodores of Vanderbilt in a 64-53 victory over the Lady Tigers in the sixth annual Pack the PMAC on Sunday.
Vanderbilt was led by the dynamic play of 6 foot-6 center Chantelle Anderson and forward Zuzi Klimesova, who controlled the post and combined for 52 of the Commodores’ 64 points.
“I was getting great shots and making great shots,” said Anderson.
Point guard Ashley McElhiney ran the Vanderbilt offense masterfully. The Commodores displayed unselfish basketball throughout the game, and finished with 25 assists on 28 made baskets.
With tremendous patience and offensive execution, Anderson and Klimesova were getting easy baskets for most of the game.
“We just didn’t have an answer for Klimesova and Anderson,” said LSU head coach Sue Gunter. “They were just spectacular.”
With the game tied 2-2 early in the first half, Vanderbilt began their onslaught with a 11-0 run to quiet the spirited crowd.
Aiysha Smith led the Lady Tigers with 16 points and six rebounds and while having a difficult time competing against the larger Vanderbilt players.
“I thought Aiysha played about as hard as she could play for 40 minutes,” said Gunter.
Smith was assisted down low by forward Ke-Ke Tardy who started off slowly, but elevated her game and scored 12 points, all in the second half.
“[Smith] and Ke-Ke both had their hands full tonight, and I thought we got a good effort out of both of them,” said Gunter.
In the second half, the Lady Commodores continued their assault around the basket. The Lady Tigers saw Vanderbilt build its lead to 20 points midway through the second half but refused to give up in front of the encouraging crowd.
Gunter was pleased the Lady Tigers continued to work hard and didn’t lay down when the game seemed to be out of reach. “As long as they’re working hard, they give themselves a chance and they give us a chance.”
LSU produced a late comeback to cut Vanderbilt’s lead to nine but was never able to get within striking distance.
“We battled as hard as we could, and we played with a lot of heart,” said Tardy. “It just didn’t go our way.”
During halftime, thousands of yellow, paper airplanes soared from the crowd above, aimed at a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse on display at center court . The halftime festivities were highlighted when John Pinegar won the Eclipse by flying his paper airplane into the sunroof.
In reference to Pack the PMAC VI, Gunter said the crowd was outstanding. “It’s kind of nice to see 8,000 people in here,” said Gunter. “I wish we would have performed a little bit better, but unfortunately Vanderbilt wasn’t willing to cooperate.”