Vanderbilt knocks off Grambling 92-59

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Festus Ezeli posted his first career double-double and John Jenkins scored 22 points as Vanderbilt defeated Grambling State 92-59 on Wednesday night.

Ezeli had 11 points and 13 rebounds, and the Commodores (4-1) played the second half without the services of preseason All-SEC pick Jeffery Taylor.

Taylor took a blow to his left eye with about 5 minutes to play in the first half on an intentional foul by Tigers guard Rupert Rose.

The 6-foot-7 junior forward was on the floor for a couple of minutes and didn’t return because of blurry vision.

The outcome was still in doubt at the half as Vanderbilt shot 33 percent and led just 40-38.

Grambling (1-5) hung around in large part because of Justin Patton, who had 15 points in the first half and finished with 20.

Brad Tinsley added 14 points and Steve Tchiengang had a career-high 12.