Game #132 of 364 36% complete
This was my first visit to a suspended court. In other words, the court was raised about three feet. The two teams sat under the baskets as opposed on the sides. The coach stood on the sidelines during play but did not have the opportunity to talk to (or yell) at his players during the game unless he walked back to the bench under the basket.
This game was never close even though California pulled within 9 points at one point. The Commodores forced 20 turnovers against the Bears who lacked a true point guard. Despite shooting 7 for 30 from the three point line, Vanderbilt’s defense was overwhelming. I still can’t over the fact that California is now a member of the ACC. Those travel costs will sure pile up for the Bears.
California player Lee Dort was booed every time he touched the ball. I finally figured out and confirmed that he was an ex-Vanderbilt player. In Nashville on November 2023, he was arrested for strangling an ex-girlfriend in a dorm room. He obviously transferred to get a fresh start 2000 miles away.
California guard Andrej Stojakovic is the son of Peta who played 14 seasons in the NBA. Andrej played his first year at Stanford and transferred to the California Bears choosing over Kentucky and North Carolina. A former McDonald’s all- American, he clearly was the best player on the Bear’s squad leading his team with 17 points.
Vanderbilt freshmen Tyler Tanner drew oohs and applause from the crowd with some fast break dunks and three pointers. The two time Tennessee Gatorade player of the year finished with 14 points and three steals.
The student section below was grouped in one corner on the side. In my opinion, it was a small contingent for a P5 school plus there were many empty seats around the arena.
I was very impressed by the huge TVs at each corner of the arena. You could easily see the game better watching the screen than the live play from my seat.
The concourse had a big exhibit of Vanderbilt sports including the uniform of NBA star Jan Van Breda Kolff .
What trip to Nashville would not be complete without a trip to Martin’s BBQ and Hattie’s Hot Chicken.
If you a follower of my blog, you can always expect pictures from the local zoo. Here are some from the famous Nashville Zoo.
On to Virginia in December for a three game set.
journey to 351 