McGlockton Delivers Magic

Vanderbilt defeats South Carolina on Devin McGlockton buzzer-beater

by Ben Schomberg

NASHVILLE, Tenn. ­­– Devin McGlockton’s last-second, put-back layup pushed Vanderbilt past South Carolina, 66-63, on Wednesday night. The Commodores and Gamecocks sat tied at 63 with less than a minute remaining, but Vandy’s defense – keyed by a McGlockton block – forced a shot-clock violation, and the patented Memorial Magic returned on the final Commodore possession.

Vanderbilt’s offense started slow in the first half, only eclipsing 20 points at the four-minute mark, but strong defense and a late run allowed the Dores to close out the half with a seven-point lead on the Gamecocks.

Vanderbilt (14-3, 2-2 SEC) traded runs with South Carolina (10-7, 0-4 SEC) for most of the second half, and a push by the Gamecocks with 10 minutes remaining cut the Commodore lead to one possession. The swarming Commodore defense never broke, holding onto the lead as both teams clawed for points in the final minutes. Five-straight free throws by leading-scorer AJ Hoggard carried the Commodores until the final bucket by McGlockton.

The story of the day was defense for Vanderbilt, forcing 25 turnovers, the most in a game since 2020. South Carolina’s 63 points are the fewest allowed by Vanderbilt in a conference game since last season’s win over Missouri.

AJ Hoggard’s 14 points led the Commodores. Jason Edwards and McGlockton both finished in double-figures as well with 13 and 11 points, respectively. Chris Mañon had four steals. For the second time this season, every Commodore who entered the game scored.

Morris Ugusuk put up a game-high 20 points for South Carolina with three, three pointers. Collin Murray-Boyles had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Arden Conyers finished with 10 points.

Vanderbilt continues its homestand by hosting rival Tennessee in Memorial on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.