Vanderbilt’s Tanner Shines in 83-71 Win Over South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — No. 11 Vanderbilt University improved to a perfect 14-0 record after defeating South Carolina 83-71 on Saturday. Tyler Tanner led the team with 19 points and tied a school record with 14 assists in his first career double-double.

Playing without primary ball-handlers Duke Miles and Frankie Collins, Tanner showcased his skills, logging 37 minutes with only one turnover. AK Okereke contributed a season-high 17 points, while Tyler Nickel, Devin McGlockton, and Jalen Washington scored 16, 15, and 10 points, respectively.

The Commodores shot 51% from the field and 43% from 3-point range. Their performance from the foul line was strong as well, converting 83% of their attempts. In contrast, South Carolina, which dropped to 9-5, shot 43% overall and 25% from beyond the arc.

Elijah Strong was South Carolina’s top scorer with 17 points. Myles Stute and Mike Sharavjamts added 14 and 13 points, but leading scorer Meechie Johnson managed only nine points on 2-of-9 shooting.

Despite taking an early lead, Vanderbilt found themselves needing to rally after South Carolina started strong. They began the second half with a 12-3 run, expanding their lead to 17 points early in the half.

Vanderbilt highlighted their dominance on the boards by out-rebounding South Carolina 37-25. After a slow start, the Commodores quickly gained momentum and never looked back after taking control with a three-pointer by Okereke.

The Commodores will face No. 14 Alabama at home on Wednesday night, with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. on ESPN2.