Vanderbilt takes SEC opener behind Tanner’s record-setting day
COLUMBIA, S.C. — No. 11 Vanderbilt continued its unbeaten start behind Tyler Tanner’s first career double-double, downing South Carolina, 83-71, in Colonial Life Arena.
Tanner scored a game-high 19 points and added a school record tying 14 assists to power the Commodores in the absence of fellow guards Duke Miles and Frankie Collins. Four other Dores joined Tanner in double digits as AK Okereke dropped a season-high 17 points, Tyler Nickel added 16, Devin McGlockton 15 and Jalen Washington 10.
Tanner matched former SEC Player of the Year Billy McCaffrey’s 14-assist performance against Kentucky in 1993. With the 19 points and 14 assists, Tanner was in on 56 points for the Commodores.
Vanderbilt (14-0, 1-0 SEC) took the lead on an Okereke three with 16:45 to play in the opening half, one of three on the day for the graduate, and never trailed again. The Dores built a 42-34 advantage at the break, behind a 53 percent shooting performance and 6-of-12 from three-point range.
Vandy blitzed South Carolina (9-5, 0-1 SEC) to open the second, pushing the advantage out to 17 in just 3:36 of play. The Dores held the lead in double figures the rest of the way to earn win No. 14 on the season.
Elijah Strong led South Carolina with 17 points on the day. Myles Stute added 14 and Mike Sharavjamts 13 to the Gamecocks’ effort.
Vanderbilt shot 51 percent from the field and hit 10-of-23 threes on the day. The Dores also dominated the boards, outrebounding South Carolina 37-25.
The Commodores return home Wednesday night for a showdown with No. 14 Alabama. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
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