The South Carolina women’s basketball team handed Vanderbilt its first loss of the season in Sunday’s 103-74 dominating performance. UConn is the only undefeated team remaining in women’s college basketball. South Carolina’s win avenged Thursday’s 94-82 overtime loss to No. 16 Oklahoma.
It was an all-around performance for South Carolina, which led by double figures most of the night. The Gamecocks shot 62% from the field and went 10-17 from 3, for 59%.
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The Gamecocks were led by senior Ta’Niya Latson, who finished with 21 points. Junior guard Tessa Johnson finished with 20 points and went 4-of-7 from 3. This was Johnson’s fourth straight game scoring in double figures.
Mississippi State transfer Madina Okot could not be denied in the paint, going 8-for-9 for 17 points. South Carolina’s leading scorer, Joyce Edwards, finished with 16 points.
Vanderbilt’s leading scorer, Mikayla Blakes, scored 23 points but it was not enough to keep the Commodores in the game. South Carolina’s defense ended Blakes’ eight-game streak of scoring 25 or more points on the road. Senior Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda finished with 13 points and was the only other player who scored double digits for Vanderbilt.
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Vanderbilt’s second- and third-leading scorers on the season also struggled on the road against South Carolina. Senior Justine Pissott was held to eight points on 3-for-7 shooting and was in foul trouble. Freshman Aubrey Galvan finished with seven points. The Commanders shot 46% from the field, had 20 turnovers and were outrebounded.
The 20-1 Commodores will look to redeem themselves and continue their historic season on Thursday against No. 18 Ole Miss. South Carolina (20-2) plays on Thursday against Auburn.
