After losing to the Gamecocks, Kim Mulkey of LSU claims that the South Carolina WBB is the “best in the country.”

In a high-stakes matchup that was anticipated for weeks, the LSU Tigers fell to the South Carolina Gamecocks in a dominant display by the Gamecocks. After the final buzzer sounded and the Gamecocks secured a convincing victory, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey was quick to offer her assessment of the game and her opponent: “South Carolina is the best in the country.” The statement was a nod of respect to a team that had clearly outperformed LSU in every aspect of the game, reinforcing the growing reputation of Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks as the premier program in women’s college basketball.

This loss, while disappointing for LSU, illuminated the difference between a team that has become a dynasty under Staley and one that is still in the process of building its championship pedigree, despite its own considerable talent and success under Mulkey. South Carolina’s win not only extended their streak of dominance but further solidified their claim as the team to beat on the national stage.

The Game: A Dominant Display by South Carolina

When South Carolina took the court against LSU, it was immediately clear that the Gamecocks came prepared to prove a point. With both teams ranked among the best in the country and each sporting impressive resumes, this matchup was billed as one of the marquee games of the season. Both teams had championship aspirations, and for LSU, a win over South Carolina would have helped solidify their place at the top of the national conversation. However, South Carolina was simply on another level.

Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks have built a program known for its suffocating defense, precise offensive execution, and unyielding will to win. On the other side, LSU, under Kim Mulkey, has quickly risen to prominence as one of the top teams in women’s basketball, thanks in part to a roster brimming with elite players like Angel Reese, the reigning National Player of the Year, and the dynamic Flau’jae Johnson. Despite this, South Carolina proved too much to handle, overwhelming LSU with their stifling defense and efficient offense.

The Gamecocks were exceptional on both ends of the floor, but it was their defense that truly set them apart. Aliyah Boston, the Gamecocks’ centerpiece and one of the best players in the country, dominated the interior, controlling the boards and blocking shots. Zia Cooke was also on fire, orchestrating South Carolina’s offense and contributing crucial points while shutting down LSU’s attempts to create offensive flow.

South Carolina’s defensive game plan was clear: limit Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson, the key players for LSU, and force the Tigers into difficult shots. South Carolina executed this game plan flawlessly, making it difficult for LSU to find open shots or get comfortable. As the game progressed, LSU’s offense seemed to lose its rhythm, while South Carolina’s defense continued to stifle them. By the end of the game, South Carolina had emerged victorious with a 73-58 win.

Kim Mulkey’s Praise for South Carolina

Following the game, LSU’s Kim Mulkey was visibly disappointed by her team’s performance but remained gracious and respectful toward South Carolina. She had seen enough to recognize the Gamecocks’ superiority on this night. Mulkey, known for her fierce competitiveness and leadership, did not hesitate to give credit where it was due.

“South Carolina is the best team in the country, and they proved it today,” Mulkey said in her post-game press conference. “They’ve earned that title. They do everything well, and they don’t give you anything easy. They’ve got size, they’ve got shooting, they’ve got ball movement, and most importantly, they’ve got defense. When you have all of that, it’s hard to beat.”

Mulkey’s words were a testament to how impressive South Carolina’s performance had been. Her acknowledgment of the Gamecocks as the best team in the country was not a sign of defeatism, but rather an honest appraisal of the situation. Mulkey, whose career is built on championships and a track record of turning programs into national contenders, recognized that South Carolina had something special, a championship-caliber team that was operating at a level above everyone else in the country.

Why South Carolina is the Best: Defense, Depth, and Leadership

For South Carolina, the victory over LSU was not just another win; it was a reaffirmation of their position as the top team in the country. The Gamecocks have been a juggernaut for several seasons, but this year, they are playing at an even higher level. The strength of South Carolina lies in its well-roundedness: they are an elite defensive team, they have offensive firepower, and they possess depth that few teams can match.

Elite Defense

At the heart of South Carolina’s success is their suffocating defense, which has been a trademark of Dawn Staley’s teams. The Gamecocks’ defensive effort against LSU was nothing short of spectacular. Aliyah Boston, who is known for her rebounding and shot-blocking, was a force in the paint, limiting LSU’s opportunities in the post. Boston finished the game with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks, showcasing her all-around dominance. Alongside her, Camila Cardoso, another towering presence in the post, helped lock down the paint and protect the rim.

South Carolina’s defense also extends to the perimeter. Players like Zia Cooke and Brea Beal were relentless in denying LSU’s guards any easy looks. They pressured the ball, contested shots, and limited passing lanes. LSU’s star players, Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson, found themselves struggling to find their rhythm against the Gamecocks’ defense. As a result, LSU shot just 37% from the field and 25% from three-point range. South Carolina’s ability to stifle LSU’s potent offense was a clear indication of why they are considered the best defensive team in the country.

Offensive Versatility

While South Carolina’s defense is what separates them from other teams, their offensive versatility is another reason why they are so difficult to beat. In the victory over LSU, Zia Cooke played a pivotal role in leading the Gamecocks’ offense. Cooke’s ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it be driving to the basket, hitting mid-range jumpers, or knocking down threes—makes her a dynamic offensive weapon. She finished the game with 20 points and 5 assists, showing that she is not only a scoring threat but also a playmaker.

Aliyah Boston also played a crucial role in the offense, particularly in the post. Her combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes her nearly impossible to stop when she gets the ball in the paint. Boston’s ability to dominate inside, coupled with her rebounding and shot-blocking ability, allows South Carolina to control both sides of the floor.

Brea Beal, known primarily for her defense, was also a key contributor on the offensive end. Beal finished with 10 points and several key baskets that helped maintain South Carolina’s lead throughout the game. Her ability to score efficiently and contribute in a variety of ways adds another layer to South Carolina’s offense, making them even more dangerous.

Depth and Team Chemistry

Another factor that makes South Carolina so difficult to beat is their depth. The Gamecocks have an incredibly deep roster, with multiple players who can step up and contribute when needed. Players like Kierra Fletcher, LeLe Grissett, and Kamilla Cardoso all bring energy and talent off the bench, allowing South Carolina to maintain a high level of play even when their starters are on the bench.

This depth also helps with maintaining intensity on both ends of the floor. The Gamecocks can apply pressure for an entire game, knowing that they have capable players coming off the bench to keep up the defensive intensity. This relentless approach wears down opponents over time and ensures that South Carolina can control the game from start to finish.

South Carolina’s chemistry is another key to their success. The players trust each other and work together seamlessly, whether it’s on offense or defense. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and that mutual understanding allows them to play unselfishly and efficiently. It’s this chemistry that has allowed the Gamecocks to remain undefeated in conference play and win game after game in convincing fashion.

LSU’s Response: Building for the Future

For LSU, the loss to South Carolina was a tough pill to swallow, but it is important to recognize that this team, led by Kim Mulkey, is still a major contender. Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson are two of the best players in the country, and LSU has all the talent needed to make a run in the NCAA tournament. The Tigers may have lost this game, but they are a program on the rise, and with Mulkey’s leadership, they will likely bounce back stronger.

Mulkey has already proven that she can turn a program into a national contender in a short amount of time, and LSU has the pieces to build toward future success. The key for LSU will be finding ways to execute better against elite defenses like South Carolina’s and to develop greater consistency on both ends of the floor.

South Carolina’s Continued Reign

With their dominant win over LSU, South Carolina has once again proven why they are the best team in the country. Their combination of elite defense, offensive versatility, and team depth makes them a complete package, and under the leadership of Dawn Staley, they continue to set the standard in women’s college basketball. Kim Mulkey’s acknowledgment of South Carolina’s supremacy is a testament to the Gamecocks’ dominance and the level of respect they have earned from other elite programs.

As the NCAA tournament approaches, South Carolina remains the team to beat, and their quest for a national title is as strong as ever. With players like Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal leading the charge, the Gamecocks are poised to continue their reign as the best team in women’s college basketball.