Turnovers Prove Costly as Vanderbilt Falls 103-74 to South Carolina, Ending Undefeated Streak
No. 5/4 Vanderbilt Falls in Turnover Filled Game
Tough day in Columbia, South Carolina for the No. 5/4 Vanderbilt Commodores. The No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks returned off of their Thursday night loss to Oklahoma and was a buzzsaw, as the Gamecocks took this one 103-74.
In my simple keys to the game for Vanderbilt, taking care of the ball was probably the most no-brainer of them all, and that was the issue from the beginning. The Gamecocks opened the game on an 11-2 run, which was the result of three quick turnovers in less than two minutes.
The Commodores gave the Gamecocks 16 first half turnovers that turned into 24 points the other way, en route to a 55-44 South Carolina halftime lead. SC came into the day averaging 10 steals a game and almost touched that with nine before halftime.
Those turnovers paired with the Gamecocks offense helped them shoot 64.5 percent from the floor in the first half and had three in double figures with Tessa Johnson (14 points), Ta’Niya Latson (12 points), and Madina Okot (11 points). Paint production was massive, but they were also able to kick out for five threes early on.
South Carolina controlled the pace and tempo of the game, and forced Vanderbilt to play by their rules, and the fouls began to pile up in the first half on the Commodores. South Carolina was aggressive in guarding and fighting off screens, which caused some offensive fouls early.
Justine Pissott started the third quarter and picked up her fourth foul, which sent her to the bench, and that not only took one of the top three point shooters in the SEC out, but also someone that had been effective in the rebounding category this year. Vanderbilt was able to was able to cut the South Carolina lead to seven to begin the half, but after a 15-2 run, the Gamecocks’ lead was massive and they never looked back.
Mikayla Blakes was able to get points and help as best she could with 23 and Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda was efficient today with 13 points, shooting 3-of-4 beyond the arc. Vanderbilt tried to establish some sort of paint game in the third quarter, but some point blank range shots were missed.
That is also fundamental in the game of basketball, and not to excuse anything, but I felt South Carolina’s length and ability to help really hindered the Commodores a lot today, especially from Madina Okot.
The Gamecocks were just too much today. They not only dominated the paint, but were hot from everywhere, finishing the day 61.5 percent from the floor and 58.8 percent from three. Their offensive mindset to make extra passes and move the ball to find great shots were key. Tessa Johnson was 4-of-7 from beyond the arc today, finishing with 20 points.
The Gamecocks finished with five players in double figures, led by Ta’Niya Latson’s 21 points. Madina Okot was 8-of-9 for 17 points, but her five steals were just as big as anything on her stat sheet. Joyce Edwards scored 16, shooting 7-of-10 from the field and added seven rebounds with six assists.
For Vanderbilt, today was just a day that was a learning experience. Confidence should still be there for the Commodores as this is just their first loss, but now they know where they need to sharpen up. The big key today was taking care of the ball. 20 turnovers led to 32 South Carolina points in this game. Also, the paint production was lopsided with the Gamecocks taking a 56-24 advantage as they also made 25 layups.
Vanderbilt will return to play against the Ole Miss Rebels on January 29 at 6:30 PM CT in Oxford, Mississippi. The game can be streamed on SEC Network+.
Featured Image Credit: South Carolina Athletics
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