South Carolina Gamecocks fall to Vanderbilt Commodores in nail-biting 66-63 loss

On January 15, 2025, the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball team narrowly lost to the Vanderbilt Commodores, 66-63, in Nashville.

Key Highlights:

      •     Morris Ugusuk’s Performance: The Gamecocks’ guard led the team with a career-high 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists, showcasing his offensive prowess throughout the game.

      •     Collin Murray-Boyles’ Contribution: Murray-Boyles added 14 points and nine rebounds, playing a significant role in South Carolina’s efforts.

      •     Turnover Troubles: South Carolina struggled with ball control, committing 25 turnovers, which hindered their offensive rhythm and provided Vanderbilt with additional scoring opportunities.

      •     Rebounding Edge: Despite the loss, the Gamecocks dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Commodores 37-25, demonstrating their physical presence in the paint.

      •     Vanderbilt’s Clutch Play: In the final moments, Vanderbilt’s Devin McGlockton made pivotal plays, including a game-winning three-point play with 0.6 seconds remaining, sealing the victory for the Commodores.  

This defeat brings South Carolina’s season record to 10-7, with an 0-4 mark in SEC play. The Gamecocks will look to address their turnover issues and build on their rebounding strength as they prepare for upcoming games.

The South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team is set to face the Oklahoma Sooners in their next game. The matchup is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM, and will take place at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma. This non-conference game presents an opportunity for the Gamecocks to rebound from their recent loss to Vanderbilt and strengthen their performance as the season progresses.

Following the matchup against Oklahoma, the Gamecocks will return home to host the Florida Gators on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.