South Carolina Set for SEC Rematch Against Vanderbilt After Impressive Win

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The #5 South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for a crucial rematch against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the SEC Tournament, following Vanderbilt’s notable win over #19 Tennessee in the second round. The upcoming game will take place at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville on March 7 at noon, airing live on ESPN.

n

Vanderbilt’s recent performance was highlighted by a strong victory against Tennessee, where they surged ahead by as much as 21 points before holding on for an 84-76 win. Iyana Moore and Mikayla Blakes were instrumental in the win, netting a combined 47 points and making key plays that contributed to the Commodores’ advancement.

n

South Carolina, aiming to replicate their earlier success against Vanderbilt, understands the importance of applying defensive pressure on Blakes, who has already demonstrated explosive scoring ability, including multiple 50-point games this season. In their last matchup on February 15, the Gamecocks successfully curtailed her impact by putting her in foul trouble early, limiting her to 19 points on 5 of 15 shooting.

n

“You can’t take any days off in the SEC,” said South Carolina guard Raven Johnson. “Every game you have to bring your A game, and I think for the SEC Tournament, it’s going to be good — also March Madness. I think it’s going to be probably one of the best March Madness to watch this year.”

n

The Gamecocks’ strategy will hinge on maintaining the defensive efforts that led to their previous success. South Carolina out-rebounded Vanderbilt 47-35 in that matchup, with notable contributions from Joyce Edwards, who not only secured 17 points but also collected 10 offensive rebounds, adding to the Gamecocks’ 17 second-chance points.

n

Additionally, South Carolina induced 17 turnovers from Vanderbilt and capitalized by scoring 23 points off those mistakes. As they prepare for the rematch, continuity in their defensive game plan will be critical to stifling Vanderbilt’s high-octane offense.

n

In the larger context of postseason play, the Gamecocks recently clinched the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament through a coin flip against Texas, both finishing the season with identical 15-1 conference records. Head coach Dawn Staley expressed mixed feelings about the coin toss determining seeding, acknowledging the unpredictability of such decisions.

n

“When you’re part of the equation, it doesn’t feel good to have your fate in a coin toss,” Staley said. “I didn’t know that eight other sports use a coin flip.”

n

Ahead of the rematch with Vanderbilt, the Gamecocks fended off No. 15 Kentucky, securing a 78-66 victory that clinched their fourth consecutive regular-season conference title. As South Carolina eyes a deep run in the SEC Tournament and beyond, they remain focused on executing a disciplined game plan and leveraging their home-court advantage.