Lipscomb falls to Vanderbilt in Kevin Carroll’s first game as Lipscomb Head Coach

Lipscomb was defeated by Vanderbilt 105-61 in the first game of the 2025-2026 season and the first game under first year Head Coach Kevin Carroll.

With only one returning starter from last year’s ASUN championship team, it was a question coming in what the starting lineup would look like, and who the scoring would come from.

The struggles began early for Lipscomb, as Vanderbilt started the game on a 12-0 run, but a corner three by redshirt junior guard Ross Candelino got the Bisons on the board for the first time in the 2025-2026 season.

That was the only bucket before the first media timeout, as the Bisons now trailed 15-3. The second media timeout came with 11:46 to go, and Lipscomb could only manage another three by Candelino and two free throws by High Point transfer Titas Sargiunas, making the score 22-8 in favor of Vanderbilt.

It was a 3-point party for the Commodores in the first half, as they drained 10 three-pointers in the first half, contributing to a 56-26 lead over Lipscomb heading into halftime.

It was a struggle offensively for Lipscomb, and they were held to 17/56 from the field and 6/26 from beyond the arc. The struggles continued as Vanderbilt rattled off 10 straight points to open up the second half, and got their lead up to 70-28 at the 15:51 mark in the second half.

Head Coach Kevin Carroll had this to say about the talent of the Commodores and how it affected his team’s play.

“When you play a team as well coached and as athletic and as big and strong, they take away all of your advantages, and that’s kind of what we really emphasize and focus on is just playing advantage basketball,” said Carroll.

It is hard to judge a team after one game, especially with the talented team that Vanderbilt is, but in the later stages of the game, the Bisons showed some signs of what they’re capable of.

After they trailed 77-35 with 11:44 remaining, Lipscomb posted a quick 7-0 run, showing signs of what is possible moving forward.

Lipscomb ultimately fell 105-61 to a well-coached and highly talented Vanderbilt squad.

Candelino and Sargiunas were the bright spots for Lipscomb as both scored in double figures, Sargiunas scoring 14, and Candelino with a career-high 15 points.

The Bisons will hit the road to take on Mercer on Nov. 9, before traveling to UNC Asheville on Nov. 11.

Featured image of senior center Charlie Williams driving the ball toward the hoop taken by Micah Barkley.