The No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks face their toughest test of the season Sunday when undefeated No. 5 Vanderbilt visits Colonial Life Arena in a marquee SEC showdown with national championship implications.
Game Details
Matchup: No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores (20-0, 6-0 SEC) at No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks (19-2, 5-1 SEC)
Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
Time: Check local listings for exact tip-off time
Location: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, South Carolina
TV Coverage: The game will be broadcast nationally on a major network (ESPN/SEC Network family – check local listings for specific channel)
Streaming Options: Available via ESPN+ app, SEC Network+ digital platform, and other streaming services carrying the broadcast network
Live Updates Announcers: Courtney Lyle and Carolyn Peck will be on the call.
Local radio/streaming: The South Carolina radio broadcast will air on 107.5 in Columbia, with Brad Muller on the call. The pregame show will begin at 2:30 p.m.
The Stakes
This isn’t just another conference game—it’s a collision between two legitimate national title contenders and the last undefeated teams in major conference play. Vanderbilt enters riding a perfect 20-0 record, while South Carolina looks to bounce back from a stunning 94-82 overtime loss to Oklahoma on Thursday.
For the Gamecocks, this represents immediate redemption. Dawn Staley has framed the matchup as a “do-over,” noting that Vanderbilt presents similar challenges to what Oklahoma exposed: elite guard play, transition opportunities, and the need for better decision-making in critical moments.
For Vanderbilt, this is their biggest stage yet. The Commodores have already beaten LSU and No. 7 Michigan, but a victory in hostile territory against South Carolina—in front of one of college basketball’s most intimidating home crowds—would announce them as genuine championship threats.
Key Matchups to Watch
Backcourt Battle: Vanderbilt’s dynamic duo of freshman Aubrey Galvan (11.7 points, 6.5 assists) and National Freshman of the Year Mikayla Blakes (24.8 points) will test South Carolina’s perimeter defense, which struggled against Oklahoma.
Interior Dominance: South Carolina’s size advantage could be decisive. Vanderbilt’s undersized frontcourt, led by 6-2 Sacha Washington, hasn’t faced anything like the Gamecocks’ post presence. After getting out-rebounded 54-39 by Oklahoma, South Carolina must establish control inside.
Freshman Factor: Can South Carolina’s Alicia Tournebize follow up her nine-point performance against Oklahoma with consistent production?
What to Expect
Expect a sellout crowd creating a deafening atmosphere as South Carolina seeks to protect home court. Vanderbilt’s perfect record hangs in the balance, while the Gamecocks’ championship aspirations require them to prove Thursday’s loss was an aberration, not a pattern.
This game will likely determine SEC regular-season championship positioning and could significantly impact NCAA Tournament seeding. With both teams’ national title hopes on the line, Sunday’s showdown promises to be one of the women’s college basketball season’s defining moments.
Tune in for what should be an instant classic between two of the nation’s elite programs.
