Vanderbilt Commodores at South Carolina Gamecocks

Davis, Alaina lead No. 6 South Carolina past Vanderbilt

The Gamecocks also saw a marked improvement in guard play, which sank them in the loss against the Huskies. Davis was 1 for 10 with five turnovers at UConn on Monday night, but went 6 for 14 with no turnovers against Vanderbilt.

"I'm finding a way to get easier shots and not put so much pressure on making 3s," Davis said.

The Gamecocks never trailed, opening the game on a 20-3 run. South Carolina led 23-6 at the end of the first quarter, as the Commodores had 10 turnovers and attempted just 10 shots in the first 10 minutes.

Coates also had seven rebounds. A'ja Wilson added 10 points and eight rebounds for the Gamecocks.

Christa Reed led Vanderbilt with 11 points.

South Carolina clinched a double bye in next month's SEC tournament with the win.

THE BIG PICTURE

Vanderbilt: After losing their first seven SEC games under new coach Stephanie White, the Commodores had won two of their last five before running into the South Carolina buzz saw. Vanderbilt will have to win at least two of its final three games to avoid playing on the opening day of the 14-team SEC tournament for the third straight season.

FORGET CONNECTICUT

"You don't want to put all your eggs in one basket, especially with a pride win," Staley said.

SOUTH CAROLINA STANDARD

The standard in SEC women's basketball used to be Tennessee. Now it is South Carolina.

White said she is using the South Carolina blueprint to improve Vanderbilt and plans to talk to Staley extensively during the offseason.

Staley's first South Carolina team in 2008-09 went 2-12 in the SEC. And White, who left the WNBA's Indiana Fever to come to the Commodores, said she also wants Vanderbilt to emulate South Carolina's atmosphere. The Gamecocks averaged less than 3,000 fans in Staley's first season and are drawing more than 13,000 people to games this season.

"It was awesome," White said of the lively crowd. "I told my players, this is why we play the game for this kind of crowd, whether they are cheering or against you."

UP NEXT

Vanderbilt: The Commodores host Mississippi on Sunday.

South Carolina: The Gamecocks head to Missouri on Sunday.

How can I watch Commodores vs. Gamecocks?

• TV Channel: Commodores vs Gamecocks 2021 College Basketball, week 15, is broadcasted on SEC Network.
• Online streaming: Sign up for Fubo.

Location: Columbia, SC
Attendance: 13,089 | Capacity: