Saturday USC used a 24-0 run to rally past Georgia. Wednesday night at the Colonial Life Arena, the Gamecocks turned around their game with Vanderbilt by going on a 15-3 run that turned a nine-point deficit into a 50-47 lead with 8:38 to play. The Gamecocks went on to a 70-61 victory for their second SEC win in a row and their second over Vandy this season.
It’s the first time USC has swept Vanderbilt in a season under Frank Martin, and it’s the Gamecocks’ fifth straight home win over the Commodores.
The Commodores tied the game at 50 before USC scored the next seven points to lead 57-50 with 6:35 left. The Commodores could get no closer than four points the rest of the way.
USC went to a zone for much of the second half and Vandy had trouble attacking. The Commodores turned it over 11 times in the second half, and USC converted those mistakes into 18 points. And USC, which has played loose with the ball much of the season, only turned it over twice in the second half.
The Gamecocks also hit the boards stronger in the second half, with 13 offensive rebounds they turned into 14 second chance points.
Just like against Georgia, the Gamecocks had a trio of players step up offensively. James Reese, Jeremaine Couisnard and Erik Stevenson combined for 46 points. They each hit big three-pointers during the Gamecocks game defining run. Scotty Pippen Jr. led all scorers with 24 points.
The Gamecocks improve to 12-7 overall and 3-4 in the SEC. They will play at Texas A&M Saturday night at 8:30 on the SEC Network.
Final Box
Frank Martin postgame press conference
Erik Stevenson and James Reese postgame press conference
