Vanderbilt Dominates South Carolina in NCAAB Clash
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Colonial Life Arena
Vanderbilt Commodores 83, South Carolina Gamecocks 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Vanderbilt Commodores vs South Carolina Gamecocks?
Vanderbilt Commodores beat South Carolina Gamecocks 83-71 at Colonial Life Arena on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Vanderbilt Commodores vs South Carolina Gamecocks?
Vanderbilt Commodores were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -550 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 83-71 at the Colonial Life Arena on January 3, 2026. This victory extends Vanderbilt's remarkable undefeated streak to 14-0 for the season, showcasing their dominance in the NCAAB landscape. The Commodores have been in exceptional form, winning their last ten games and averaging an impressive 92.3 points while allowing 70.3 points per game during this stretch. Their recent performances include a 96-53 victory over New Haven Chargers and a 98-67 win against Wake Forest Demon Deacons, highlighting their offensive prowess.
On the other side, South Carolina has shown resilience with a 9-5 record, including a recent 6-4 run over their last ten games. The Gamecocks have averaged 79.8 points scored and 67.5 points allowed during this period. They entered this game on a two-game winning streak, having secured victories against UAlbany Great Danes (96-67) and South Carolina State Bulldogs (95-70). Despite their strong home record of 6-2, they struggled against Vanderbilt, who previously defeated them 66-63 in their last meeting on January 15, 2025.
The betting market reflected Vanderbilt's strong standing, with DraftKings listing them as 9.5-point favorites. The total points over/under was set at 155.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. Vanderbilt's money line was set at -550, while South Carolina's was at +410, further emphasizing the Commodores' status as the favored team.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams have been managing their rosters as the season progresses. The conditions during the game were typical for a January evening, with a competitive atmosphere in the arena, contributing to the intensity of the matchup.
As the game unfolded, Vanderbilt's offense continued to shine, with key plays from players like Meechie Johnson and Mike Sharavjamts. Johnson contributed to the scoreline with free throws and assists, while Sharavjamts made a significant three-point jumper that helped maintain their lead. The Gamecocks fought hard, but ultimately could not close the gap against the formidable Commodores.
Vanderbilt's victory not only solidifies their undefeated status but also serves as a statement of their capabilities as they continue to aim for a successful season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | VAN -9.5 | 155.5 o -108 / u -112 | Vanderbilt Commodores -550 · South Carolina Gamecocks +410 |
Leaders
- PointsElijah Strong17South Carolina Gamecocks
- AssistsMeechie Johnson6South Carolina Gamecocks
- ReboundsMyles Stute6South Carolina Gamecocks
- PointsTyler Tanner19Vanderbilt Commodores
- AssistsTyler Tanner14Vanderbilt Commodores
- ReboundsJalen Washington8Vanderbilt Commodores
Recent form
South Carolina Gamecocks
Last 10: 6-4Streak W279.8 scored · 67.5 allowed per game6-2 at home
- W96-67vs UAlbany Great DanesDec 30
- W95-70vs South Carolina State BulldogsDec 22
- L61-68at Clemson TigersDec 17
- W71-55vs The Citadel BulldogsDec 14
- W82-51vs Stetson HattersDec 6
- L83-86vs Virginia Tech HokiesDec 3
- W74-62vs Charleston Southern BuccaneersNov 28
- L77-79at Northwestern WildcatsNov 23
- L72-79vs Butler BulldogsNov 21
- W87-58vs Radford HighlandersNov 19
Vanderbilt Commodores
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1092.3 scored · 70.3 allowed per game3-0 away
- W96-53vs New Haven ChargersDec 30
- W98-67at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsDec 21
- W77-70at Memphis TigersDec 18
- W83-72vs Central Arkansas BearsDec 13
- W88-69vs SMU MustangsDec 4
- W96-71vs Saint Mary's GaelsNov 28
- W89-74vs VCU RamsNov 27
- W83-78at Western Kentucky HilltoppersNov 26
- W109-74vs Texas Southern TigersNov 21
- W104-75vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsNov 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Vanderbilt Commodores | South Carolina Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-57 | 25-58 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 10-23 | 7-28 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 25 |
| Free throws | 15-18 | 14-18 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 20 |
| Assists | 17 | 15 |
| Steals | 2 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 4 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 28 |
| Fouls | 15 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 18 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 92 | 3 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half52-37Tyler Nickel makes 28-foot three point jumper (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half54-37Tyler Nickel makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half54-39Elijah Strong makes layup
- 2nd Half54-40Elijah Strong makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-40Devin McGlockton makes driving layup (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half56-41Myles Stute makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-41Jalen Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-41Jalen Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-43Eli Ellis makes layup
- 2nd Half60-43AK Okereke makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half60-45Myles Stute makes 2-foot dunk (Mike Sharavjamts assists)
- 2nd Half60-47Elijah Strong makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot (Kobe Knox assists)
- 2nd Half62-47Tyler Nickel makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half65-47Tyler Nickel makes 30-foot three point jumper (AK Okereke assists)
- 2nd Half65-50Elijah Strong makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jordan Butler assists)
- 2nd Half67-50Devin McGlockton makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half67-51Elijah Strong makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-52Elijah Strong makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-52Chandler Bing makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-54Eli Ellis makes driving layup (Elijah Strong assists)
- 2nd Half68-56Eli Ellis makes driving layup (Elijah Strong assists)
- 2nd Half69-56Tyler Tanner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-56Tyler Tanner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-56Jalen Washington makes layup (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half72-58Elijah Strong makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-60Mike Sharavjamts makes layup
- 2nd Half74-60Devin McGlockton makes 11-foot jumper (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half74-61Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-62Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-62Devin McGlockton makes layup (Tyler Nickel assists)
- 2nd Half79-62Tyler Nickel makes 30-foot three point jumper (Tyler Tanner assists)
- 2nd Half79-64Mike Sharavjamts makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-65Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-66Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-68Mike Sharavjamts makes layup
- 2nd Half80-68Jalen Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-68Jalen Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-71Mike Sharavjamts makes 24-foot three point jumper (Meechie Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half82-71Tyler Tanner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-71Tyler Tanner makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours South Carolina Gamecocks, below favours Vanderbilt Commodores.
Venue
- Colonial Life ArenaColumbia, SC
- Attendance9760
- OfficialsSteven Anderson, Garrick Shannon, Rob Rorke
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond