Even minus leading scorer John Jenkins, the Vanderbilt Commodores made the LSU Tigers look like the ... well, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the opening round of the 2011 SEC Tournament. Vandy won 62-50, dominating the boards, getting to the free throw line (and converting), and moving the ball acceptably.
Vanderbilt gets Mississippi State in Friday's quarterfinals round. The Dores beat the Dawgs 81-74 in Starkville in their only meeting this season, with Jenkins and Jeffery Taylor combining for 46 points.
The Commodores are clearly missing Jenkins, shooting just over 40 percent on the night. Taylor filled in as the team's leading scorer, putting up 21 points and 12 rebounds. Jenkins is expected to play against Mississippi State -- in fact, he'd been described as "available if we need him" for this game, and, yeah, they really never needed him.
For more on this game, Vandy fans should join Anchor Of Gold, and LSU fans should head to And The Valley Shook.
Updated 2011 SEC Tournament Bracket (all times EST):
Thursday, March 10
Friday, March 11
Saturday, March 12
Sunday, March 12