South Carolina’s Freshman Spotlight Meets an Unbeaten Vanderbilt Test
Can Alicia Tournebize Turn a Flash Into a Trend?
Freshman Alicia Tournebize made a noticeable impact in South Carolina’s loss to Oklahoma, finishing with nine points and three rebounds in one of her most confident outings of the season. Now comes the familiar hurdle for young players: backing it up.
As noted by On3, inconsistency is often the biggest obstacle for first-year contributors. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising if Tournebize’s output fluctuates against Vanderbilt on Sunday. Still, if she wants to evolve from an occasional spark into a dependable rotation piece, steadiness will be essential.
Tournebize previously logged eight points against Coppin State, a performance that flew under the radar due to the level of competition. But if she strings together similar efforts as SEC play intensifies, those two games could be remembered as the early signs of her emergence.
For South Carolina to reach its ceiling, the staff needs clarity on whether Tournebize can deliver more than isolated moments—and instead provide consistent value when the stakes are highest.
Breaking Down an Unbeaten Vanderbilt Squad
Vanderbilt arrives in Columbia as one of just two remaining undefeated teams in the country, alongside UConn. Their record isn’t inflated by soft matchups either—the Commodores have already knocked off LSU and followed that with a second top-10 victory in the same week by defeating No. 7 Michigan.
Under fifth-year head coach Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt had been trending upward and appeared close to a breakthrough. That progress seemed threatened when starting forward Khamil Pierre left the program in June.
Rather than slipping backward, the Commodores surged forward.
Much of that leap can be traced to freshman point guard Aubrey Galvan, who has quickly become one of the most influential players in the SEC. Galvan is averaging 11.7 points and 6.5 assists per game, excelling not only as a scorer but as a facilitator who has helped unlock the rest of Vanderbilt’s lineup.
Her presence allowed star guard Mikayla Blakes to shift off the ball—a move that has paid massive dividends.
Dawn Staley credited Vanderbilt’s transformation to belief and discipline within the program:
“You have to create this culture and this ability to believe,” Staley said. “You get your players, and they’re all on that same page, believe. You feel good about what you’re doing. You create these habits, and you display them. Display them 20 times out. This season, they’ve been good at their habits over everybody else’s habits. So we got to get better. We got to get better to be like them, to be perfect.”
Mikayla Blakes, Even More Dangerous Off the Ball
Blakes had no trouble handling point guard duties last season, earning National Freshman of the Year honors. But her move away from primary ball-handling responsibilities has elevated her game even further.
She’s now averaging 24.8 points per contest—second-best nationally—while still contributing 4.5 assists. The shift has turned her into a relentless scoring threat who doesn’t sacrifice playmaking.
Vanderbilt’s offensive trio is rounded out by Justine Pissott, who is posting 11.7 points per game and shooting a scorching 43.9% from beyond the arc. Her perimeter efficiency adds another layer to an already dynamic backcourt.
Staley pointed out that the challenges Vanderbilt presents closely resemble what Oklahoma exposed earlier in the week:
“Playing against a really good point guard. Everything that Oklahoma presented to us is there with Vandy. So if you want to do over, here’s the do-over in every facet of where we got beat. So hopefully we can take care of that.”
That framing makes Sunday’s matchup feel like an immediate retest—an opportunity for South Carolina to apply hard lessons learned.
Frontcourt Advantage—or Missed Opportunity?
Pierre’s exit has left Vanderbilt thin in the post. The Commodores’ primary interior presence, 6-foot-2 Sacha Washington, averages eight rebounds per game but doesn’t bring overwhelming size or physicality.
So far, opponents haven’t been able to capitalize. But Vanderbilt also hasn’t faced a frontcourt with South Carolina’s depth, length, and athleticism.
That creates a pivotal question: can the Gamecocks dominate inside after struggling on the glass and in post defense against Oklahoma? Or will Vanderbilt’s guard play neutralize that advantage before it can matter?
Final Analysis: Statement Game on Both Sides
This matchup offers layers well beyond the top-five ranking.
For South Carolina, it’s a chance at immediate course correction—testing whether adjustments were made after Oklahoma exposed weaknesses. It’s also a moment to assert physical dominance and evaluate whether young contributors like Tournebize are ready for consistent responsibility.
For Vanderbilt, the stakes are just as high. Protecting an unblemished record, overcoming a size disadvantage, and proving their success is sustainable—not situational—are all on the line. A win would further cement the Commodores as legitimate national contenders.
If South Carolina controls the paint and the boards, the matchup tilts in their favor. If Vanderbilt’s guards dictate pace and capitalize early, the Commodores have a clear path to extending their perfect season.
Ultimately, the game will reveal whether Vanderbilt’s run is built to last—and whether South Carolina’s stumble was merely a detour or a warning sign.
