Predrinking (or pregaming) refers to consuming alcohol before a social event, a frequent occurrence among undergraduates in an effort to save money, become “buzzed”, or simply deal with social anxiety. Because previous research positively associates social anxiety with problematic drinking, a recent article investigated if solitary predrinking actually mediates this association. This study hypothesized that elevated social anxiety would predict solitary predrinking, which in turn would associate with increased alcohol use and related problems. Study participants included undergraduates experiencing ≥4 past-month drinking occasions (n=293). All participants completed validated questionnaires where they self-reported social anxiety, predrinking context (solitary or social), alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems. Statistical analyses revealed that social anxiety positively associated with solitary predrinking, which in turn predicted elevated alcohol-related problems, but not elevated alcohol use. Interestingly, social anxiety negatively predicted social predrinking, suggesting it protected against heavy alcohol use. Take Away: this study suggests predrinking context (social or solitary) may partially mediate the association between social anxiety and alcohol use risk. Results suggest prevention efforts targeting predrinking may incorporate skills training focused on healthy strategies to manage social anxiety.