Vanderbilt Faces South Carolina in Crucial SEC Basketball Showdown

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt University’s basketball team prepares to host South Carolina in a pivotal Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup Wednesday night at Memorial Gymnasium. The game, set for 6 p.m. CT and broadcast on SEC Network, comes as both teams seek to improve their conference standings.

Vanderbilt (13-3, 1-2 SEC) enters the game following two consecutive losses but boasts a strong 8-1 record at home this season. Key players Tyler Tanner and Grant Huffman are game-time decisions due to injuries. Tanner, averaging 6.9 points, 37 steals, and 33 assists this season, is a defensive stalwart, while Huffman, averaging 5.3 points and 40 assists, has started all 16 games this year.

South Carolina (10-6, 0-3 SEC) is looking to snap a three-game losing streak in SEC play. The Gamecocks nearly upset No. 1 Auburn last Saturday, losing 66-63 after leading in the final minutes. Head coach Lamont Paris emphasized the importance of building on that performance. “Growth can only happen with a proper reaction,” Paris said after the game.

Vanderbilt’s leading scorer, Jason Edwards, averaging 17.3 points per game, will be a focal point for South Carolina’s defense. Edwards, a transfer from North Texas, recently returned from a lower-body injury and scored 20 points in Vanderbilt’s loss to Missouri. The Commodores also rely on AJ Hoggard and Devin McGlockton, both averaging just over 10 points per game, with McGlockton leading the team in rebounds (8.3 per game) and blocks (1.5 per game).

South Carolina will be without two starters: Myles Stute, out indefinitely due to a blood clot, and Jamarii Thomas, sidelined with a right knee sprain. The Gamecocks’ struggles at the free-throw line (9-for-16 against Auburn) and their inability to close out games have been costly. “If we can play like we did and find a way to close out better, we should be in a position to win,” Paris added.

Vanderbilt’s defense, ranked No. 6 in defensive steal percentage and No. 23 in turnovers forced per game, poses a challenge for South Carolina. The Gamecocks, however, showed improvement in ball control against Auburn, committing only nine turnovers.

This matchup marks the first meeting between the teams this season. Vanderbilt won their last encounter in overtime during Paris’ first season at South Carolina. With both teams fighting for momentum in a competitive SEC, Wednesday’s game could be a turning point for either squad.