NASHVILLE, TN -- Matt Freije scored a game-high 22 points and Vanderbilt shot 65 percent from the field in the second half as it defeated visiting American, 85-57, in Memorial Gym on Thursday evening.

Vanderbilt (8-3) jumped out to an early 12-0 lead after four minutes of play and held a 23-5 advantage after just seven. Free-throws dominated the Commodores' early scoring, as they went a torrid 16-of-17 (94.1 percent) from the line in the first half.

Trailing 33-18 with 5:15 to play in the first half, American (3-6) went on a 13-0 run to climb back in the game at 33-31. Vladimir Buscaglia netted five points in the spurt, which was capped by two free throws by Patrick Doctor, who finished with 11 points and a game-high seven rebounds.

Vanderbilt closed the half with the final seven points, setting the tone for what was to come early in the second. The Commodores went into the halftime break leading 38-31.

Shrugging off a steal and basket by American to start the second, Vanderbilt ripped off the first 13 points of the period. The Commodores went on to outscore the Eagles, 24-2, over the first 10 minutes of play, putting the game out of reach.

Steven Miles paced American with 19 points and added six rebounds. Brian Williams chipped in with 10 off the bench, while Andres Rodriguez, making his first appearance of the season, had five assists and five steals.

Sam Howard had 15 points on four threes for Vanderbilt, while Chuck Moore added 10 points and five rebounds.

American returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 29, when it hosts Wagner in Bender Arena at 2:00 p.m.