NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Southern Indiana men's basketball team could not get on track offensively and lost a 77-40 exhibition game to Vanderbilt University Monday night in Nashville, Tennessee.

The first 15 minutes of the first half pitted the Screaming Eagles and the Commodores in a defensive dual as the teams combined for just 32 points. The Vanderbilt offense kicked into gear with the game tied 16-16 with a 15-0 run and finished the first half with a 31-16 advantage.

USI struggled from the field in the opening 20 minutes, shooting 21.4 percent (6-28), but outrebounded Vanderbilt, 23-14, in the opening stanza.

The Commodores continued their run to start the second half, scoring the first eight points to extend the margin to 39-16. The Eagles countered with a quick 8-0 run to cut the deficit back to 39-24, but Vanderbilt responded with an 8-0 run of its own and never looked back.

The Commodores went on to lead by as many 39 points before settling for the 77-40 win. USI finished the game with a 25.4 shooting percentage (15-59), while Vanderbilt dropped in points at a 37.5 percent clip (24-64).

Leading the way for the Eagles was senior guard #C.J. Trotter# (Hopkinsville, Kentucky) with 10 points.

The Eagles open the 2010-11 campaign for real Friday night when they host Ohio Dominican University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and follows the USI women's basketball's season-opener against Wayne State University at 5:15 p.m.