NASHVILLE (Nov. 26) -- Miami University's women's basketball team could not overcome No. 25 Vanderbilt's three-point attack, falling 79-61 in the championship game of the First Tennessee Classic in Nashville. For the game, the Commodores shot an astounding 66 percent (10-of-15) from behind the arc.

Despite a noticeable height disadvantage, the RedHawks hung close throughout the first half. After grabbing a 19-17 lead on a three-pointer by Heather Cusick, Miami went cold from the field and was held scoreless for nearly five minutes.

Vanderbilt went on a 16-3 run during the drought. Tournament-MVP Chantelle Anderson sparked the run, draining 10 points and blocking two RedHawk shots.

The Commodores stretched the lead to 14 points by the half as Ashley McElhiney connected on a three-pointer from just inside the half-court line as time expired.

Cusick finished the half with a team-best 13 points, including three three-point field goals.

Miami managed to only hit 33 percent of their first-half shots, while Vanderbilt hit 58 percent, including five-of-seven from behind the arc.

The RedHawks fell behind by as many as 21 points (52-31) four minutes in the second half but responded with a hard-fought 16-3 run.

Closing the gap to just eight points at the 10:39 mark, Miami had the Commodores on their heels. Cusick had two three-pointers and Kim Lancaster nailed six points to lead the comeback.

However, Vanderbilt proved its ranking to be true as it held off the RedHawks turnaround. The Commodores added two more of their 10 three-pointers down the stretch to control the victory.

Cusick, who named to the all-tournament team, led Miami with 21 points. Cusick tied a career-high as she hit five three-pointers. Colleen Day added 11 points and the RedHawks committed a season-low 13 turnovers while forcing 22.

For the game, Vanderbilt shot 57 percent from the field and 85 percent from the line. Anderson ended the contest with a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds.

Miami (2-3) has the week off before it returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 2 as it entertains Wright State. Marking its home opener, the RedHawks are set to tip-off at 4:30 p.m.