Vanderbilt (14-3, 2-2 convention) got here into Wednesday's matchup towards South Carolina (10-7, 0-4) with it just about being a should win because the Commodores have a gauntlet starting with their subsequent contest that options three video games in a row towards high 10 groups.
One of the latest Bracketology projections had them firmly as a First 4 Out group.
If Vanderbilt goes to get into the NCAA Match, they need to win these video games towards the likes of South Carolina, one thing they have been in a position to accomplish with a 66-63 win.
As the ultimate rating suggests, this was a tightly contested sport all through.
It wasn't till the ultimate 4 minutes of the primary half when a group was in a position to get separation, and it simply so occurred to be the Commodores after they closed on an 11-4 run to enter the locker room with a 33-26 benefit.
Throughout that point, Vanderbilt compelled seven turnovers and two missed pictures, solely giving up the 4 factors from the free-throw line. In the meantime, they went 4-for-9 from the sector to provide themselves a much-needed benefit.
Sadly, they squandered it.
After virtually getting out to a double-digit lead early within the second half, the Commodores allowed the Gamecocks to work their method again into the sport.
Vanderbilt held off South Carolina for so long as they might, however ultimately issues have been tied up at 56 with 6:30 remaining.
From there, it was a dash to the top.
In the course of the remaining stretch of the sport, there have been three lead modifications and three ties, establishing a possibility for a wild end when Vanderbilt had the ball with 10 seconds left and issues tied up at 63 apiece.
And a wild end it was.
AJ Hoggard missed a game-winning push shot from contained in the paint, however with below a second left, Devin McGlockton pulled the ball down and made a game-winning layup the place he acquired fouled.
The junior ahead made the free throw to provide Vanderbilt a 66-63 lead.
South Carolina virtually made the miracle heave to tie issues up, however it simply missed.
The Commodores will definitely go away this one comfortable they have been in a position to pull off the win since they shot simply 19% from the 3-point line (4-21). From the sector they have been higher with a 41.1% taking pictures clip (23-56).
The saving grace for Vanderbilt was the 25 turnovers they compelled in comparison with giving up 12 of their very own. Additionally they held South Carolina to 42.2% from the sector (19-45), however allowed the Gamecocks to shoot 43.8% from deep (7-16).
Regardless of the missed shot on the finish, Hoggard was the group's main scorer with 14 factors. He was joined in double figures by Jason Edwards, who had 13, and the sport's hero McGlockton, who put up 11.
Vanderbilt might want to play a lot better than that of their subsequent three contests.
They'll be again in motion on Jan. 18 towards the No. 6-ranked Tennessee Volunteers for a rivalry sport.
Tip off is scheduled for two:30 p.m. CT and might be broadcasted on SEC Community.
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