The student section was packed as fans looked eager to get their first peak at the most highly regarded Commodore squad since 2011-12, and the players did not disappoint. Vandy demolished the Governors 80-41 to move to 1-0 in its first game as a ranked team in three years.
The ‘Dores exploded right out of the chute in taking a 21-0 lead thanks to balanced offense and swarming defense. Sophomore guard Matthew Fisher-Davis opened the scoring with a three from the top of the key, and the Commodores’ crisp ball movement put the Governors on their heels. Freshman forward Joe Toye’s steal and slam with just over eight minutes remaining in the first half punctuated the early run in what would represent one of multiple high-flying dunks for the Commodores.