Jeffery Taylor scored 18 points and the Vanderbilt wrapped up the pre-Christmas portion of their schedule by hitting eight 3-pointers in a 72-53 victory over Middle Tennessee State Tuesday for its seventh victory in its past eight games.

The Commodores (9-2) broke the game open with a 16-4 run in the first half, turning a 12-12 tie into a 28-16 advantage. Brad Tinsley hit two 3-pointers during the surge, and John Jenkins and Rod Odom each added a 3-pointer during the run.

Ahead 41-27 at halftime, Vanderbilt saw the Blue Raiders pull within 46-38 on Shawn Jones’ 3-pointer with 14:40 left. Then the Commodores put the game away with an 18-4 run, building a 64-42 advantage on Festus Ezeli’s layup with 4:34 left.

Vanderbilt, which came in tied for 35th in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage, finished 8-of-23 behind the arc. Jenkins added 16 points for the Commodores, Ezeli scored 15 points and Tinsley added 10.

Jason Jones led Middle Tennessee State (4-8) with 15 points.

Both teams are back in action at home on Dec. 29, with Vanderbilt facing Marquette and Middle Tennessee State playing Tennessee State.