South Carolina Gamecocks End Vanderbilt's Perfect Start with Dominant Victory

On January 25, 2026, the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores 103-74 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. This victory marked the end of Vanderbilt's unbeaten season, which had reached a school-record 20 consecutive wins. South Carolina improved to 20-2 overall and 6-1 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), while Vanderbilt fell to 20-1 and 6-1 in the SEC.

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Ta'Niya Latson led South Carolina with 21 points, while Tessa Johnson contributed 20 points. The Gamecocks showcased a balanced offensive attack, with five players scoring in double figures, including Madina Okot with 17 points and Joyce Edwards with 16. Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes, the SEC's leading scorer, managed to score 23 points but struggled with turnovers, contributing to her team's 20 turnovers in the game.

Latson, Johnson Lead No. 2 Gamecocks to 103-74 Win, Ending 'Dores Perfect Start

The Gamecocks set the tone early, starting with an 11-2 run and leading by as many as 21 points in the second quarter. South Carolina's defense was particularly effective, forcing 16 turnovers in the first half alone. Despite a brief resurgence from Vanderbilt, which cut the deficit to 55-48 early in the third quarter, South Carolina responded with a decisive 15-2 run, effectively sealing the game.

Vanderbilt women's basketball win streak over, outmatched by South Carolina

Head coach Dawn Staley made a notable change to the starting lineup, opting to start freshman Agot Makeer instead of Okot. This strategic move aimed to apply more pressure defensively and improve floor spacing. Makeer contributed with two points and two steals, while Okot, coming off the bench, rebounded well with 17 points and seven rebounds.

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After the game, Coach Staley praised her team's performance, stating, "I'm really impressed that we played connected basketball on both ends." She emphasized the importance of responding to their previous loss against Oklahoma, highlighting that the players understood the standard they needed to maintain. Vanderbilt's coach Shea Ralph acknowledged South Carolina's dominance, saying, "Credit to South Carolina because they played really well, maybe the best they've played all season."

No. 2 South Carolina cruises past unbeaten No. 5 Vanderbilt

Despite the loss, Ralph noted that Vanderbilt had been performing well up to this point and expressed hope for future improvement. He stated, "There just wasn't an answer today," indicating the need for adjustments as they face a challenging schedule ahead.

No. 2 South Carolina cruises past unbeaten No. 5 Vanderbilt

Following this game, South Carolina will travel to Auburn on January 29, while Vanderbilt will face No. 18 Ole Miss on the same day. Both teams will aim to regroup and maintain their competitive standings in the SEC.

No. 16 Oklahoma women's hoops shocks No. 2 South Carolina in OT

The Gamecocks' victory not only halted Vanderbilt's perfect start but also reinforced South Carolina's status as a formidable contender in women's college basketball. With this win, South Carolina continues to build momentum as they pursue their goals for the season.

Latson, Johnson Lead No. 2 Gamecocks to 103-74 Win, Ending 'Dores Perfect Start