Vanderbilt Beats Mississippi 65-53

Updated: March 10, 2012 06:39 PM CDT

Vanderbilt guard John Jenkins (23) shoots despite the defense of Mississippi guard Ladarius White (10) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semi-final round of the 2012 Southeastern Conference tournament. (AP Photo)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - John Jenkins scored 23 points, Brad Tinsley added 12 and Vanderbilt beat Mississippi 65-53 in the Southeastern Conference tournament semifinals on Saturday.

It's the first trip to the SEC championship game for Vanderbilt (23-10) since 1951, when the Commodores beat Kentucky 61-57. They've finally got another chance at a title thanks to timely outside shooting from Jenkins and Tinsley, who combined to hit five 3-pointers in the second half.

Vanderbilt outrebounded Ole Miss 36-29. Lance Goulbourne added 10 points for the Commodores, who will play top-ranked Kentucky on Sunday.

Ole Miss (20-13) briefly took a 32-31 lead early in the second half, but Vanderbilt eventually buried the Rebels with well-timed 3-pointers from Jenkins and Tinsley.

The Rebels were led by Jarvis Summers, who scored 15 points. LaDarius White added 13.

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Vanderbilt Beats Mississippi 65-53