What's Happening?
The Vanderbilt Commodores continued their impressive season by defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks 83-71 on January 3, 2026. Tyler Tanner led Vanderbilt with 19 points and a career-high 14 assists,
while AK Okereke added 17 points. Despite the absence of their leading scorer Duke Miles, Vanderbilt maintained their dominance with a strong start and consistent performance throughout the game. The victory improved their record to 14-0, marking their best start since the 2007-08 season. South Carolina, now 9-5, struggled to keep up with Vanderbilt's pace and depth.
Why It's Important?
Vanderbilt's continued success underscores their potential as a formidable contender in the Southeastern Conference. Their ability to perform well without key players like Duke Miles demonstrates the team's depth and resilience. This win solidifies their position as a top team in the conference and enhances their prospects for a strong postseason run. For South Carolina, the loss highlights areas for improvement as they aim to compete more effectively against top-tier teams.
What's Next?
Vanderbilt will face a significant challenge in their next game against No. 14 Alabama, which will test their ability to maintain their undefeated streak. A victory could further boost their confidence and position them as a leading team in the conference. South Carolina will look to bounce back in their upcoming game against LSU, focusing on addressing the gaps exposed in their recent performance.
