The Colonial Life Arena was the site of a top-five masterclass on Sunday as the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks dismantled the previously undefeated No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores. In a matchup that was expected to be a tightly contested SEC battle, head coach Dawn Staley saw her squad deliver a definitive 103-74 victory, proving once again that the road to the national championship still runs through Columbia. The win not only ended Vanderbilt's perfect start to the season but also reaffirmed the Gamecocks' status as the most formidable force in the conference.

Vanderbilt entered the contest with the best start in program history, having won a school-record 20 straight games to open the season. The Commodores had built a reputation as one of the most resilient and disciplined teams in the country, but they found no answers for a South Carolina program that has now won 19 consecutive games against them. From the opening tip, the South Carolina offense was firing on all cylinders, led by a relentless backcourt performance that kept the Vanderbilt defense on its heels.

Ta’Niya Latson was unstoppable, leading the charge with 21 points on an efficient shooting night. Latson’s ability to get to the rim at will set the tone for an aggressive offensive approach that Vanderbilt simply could not contain. Complementing her was Tessa Johnson, who turned in a stellar performance of her own, contributing 20 points. Johnson’s perimeter presence and timely bucket-getting were the engine of the Gamecock offensive flow, as she consistently exploited the gaps in the Commodores' defense and kept the pressure on for all four quarters.

The sheer depth and physicality of the Gamecocks proved to be too much for the visitors. South Carolina dominated the glass, outmuscling Vanderbilt in the paint and creating numerous second-chance opportunities. They utilized their deep bench to maintain a high-octane pace that eventually wore down the Commodores' starters. By the time the game reached the fourth period, the lead had ballooned significantly, allowing Staley to rotate her roster and showcase the young talent that continues to develop under her championship-winning leadership.

Defensively, the Gamecocks were just as impressive as they were on the scoreboard. They held a potent Vanderbilt offense well below their season averages for much of the game, forcing key turnovers and turning them into easy fast-break points. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with a sellout crowd witnessing a statement win that kept South Carolina in the hunt for the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament. As the SEC schedule intensifies, the Gamecocks have sent a clear message to the rest of the country: they are not just winning, they are dominating. With Latson and Johnson playing at an elite level, South Carolina remains the team to beat in the pursuit of another national title.