Key matchups as South Carolina kicks off SEC action against Vanderbilt

Table of Contents

The Moment of Truth for South Carolina

South Carolina is set to face a pivotal moment in its season as it begins its SEC schedule against No. 12 Vanderbilt on Saturday. This game marks the start of a challenging conference slate that could define the remainder of the season. With a record of 9-4, the Gamecocks have had a mixed performance in non-conference play, with several missed opportunities to secure quality wins.

The tip-off will be at 2 p.m. on the SEC Network from Colonial Life Arena. Fans can follow along with updates from GamecockCentral, which will provide live coverage through The Insiders Forum starting approximately 30 minutes before the game.

The SEC Gauntlet Begins

South Carolina’s non-conference schedule was filled with chances to earn high-quality victories, but those opportunities were not capitalized on. Most of the team's wins have come against Quad 4 teams, while its four losses are to Quad 1 and 2 opponents. As the SEC season begins, the Gamecocks will face an opportunity to gain Quad 1 or 2 wins in almost every game. These next 18 games are crucial for the team to improve its standing and potentially make a push for the NCAA Tournament.

The SEC may not be as dominant as last season, but it remains a tough conference. A strong start is essential for South Carolina to stay competitive. January could be a critical month for the team, as many of the teams they face are considered beatable, except for Vanderbilt, which has remained undefeated so far.

Vanderbilt: One of the Best Teams in College Basketball

Vanderbilt enters the season as one of the top teams in college basketball. They were picked to finish 11th in the SEC preseason media poll but have risen to No. 12 in the AP poll with a perfect 13-0 record. The Commodores are one of only six teams in the sport that remain unbeaten, alongside Arizona, Michigan, Iowa State, Nebraska, and Miami (OH).

While some of their early games were against weaker opponents, Vanderbilt has also faced decent competition, winning four Quad 1 games and two Quad 2 games. Their resume is already solid, and they are expected to be a formidable opponent for South Carolina.

Vanderbilt averages 94.2 points per game this season, shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three-point range. They have scored 80 or more points in all but one game, with four games exceeding 100 points. The Gamecocks' defense will need to be at its best to contain this high-scoring team.

Key players for Vanderbilt include Duke Miles, who leads the team in scoring with 17.1 points per game on 48.4 percent shooting. Tyler Tanner and Tyler Nickel follow closely behind with 16 and 14.8 points per game, respectively. The team also has two other double-figure scorers in the frontcourt: Devin McGlockton (10.6) and Jalen Washington (10.2).

Shooting Improvement: A Key Factor

After some struggles during non-conference play, South Carolina has shown signs of improvement in its shooting. In the last two games before the SEC season, the team shot 59 percent against SC State and 60 percent against Albany. In a 96-67 win over Albany on Dec. 30, the team made 14-of-30 three-point shots (46.7 percent), marking one of its best performances from beyond the arc.

While these games were against lower-rated opponents, the improvement could be just what the Gamecocks needed to build momentum. However, translating this success into conference play will be a challenge, as the competition is significantly tougher.

The biggest key for South Carolina will be having its best shooters hit their shots. Meechie Johnson, the team’s leading scorer, had 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting in his last game after a period of struggle. Myles Stute has also improved, scoring 27 points combined in his last two games on 7-of-15 shooting with six made threes.

South Carolina currently shoots 31.2 percent from three-point range, which is below expectations. However, the team will continue to take those shots, and the question is whether they will start falling more frequently.

Join The Insiders Forum

Fans can stay up-to-date with the latest news and discussions about South Carolina basketball by becoming part of The Insiders Forum on GamecockCentral. Members can start for $1 and receive a complimentary year of The Athletic with their membership.

Don’t miss any of the action as South Carolina takes on Vanderbilt in what promises to be a thrilling SEC matchup.