Following LSU’s defeat, Kim Mulkey asserts that Dawn Staley’s South Carolina team is the best in the nation.

Following a hard-fought 66-56 defeat at the hands of No. 2 South Carolina, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey did something that truly resonated in the world of women’s basketball. She took the high road and, in an unexpected yet respectful move, declared that Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks were, without question, the best team in the nation. This comment came after her team had suffered only their second loss of the season, but it was a moment that showcased Mulkey’s sportsmanship, the strength of the South Carolina program, and the fierce rivalry between two of the best teams in women’s college basketball.

The aftermath of LSU’s defeat left many wondering just how this SEC showdown would shape the trajectories of both programs for the rest of the season. South Carolina’s victory extended their perfect record in SEC play and sent a message to the rest of the country that they are a team poised for championship contention. Yet, Mulkey’s comments were as much about acknowledging her opponent’s superiority as they were about understanding the bigger picture — that South Carolina’s blend of talent, coaching, and system has set the standard in women’s basketball.

Mulkey, who had guided LSU to a national championship game appearance in 2024 and has built one of the premier programs in the country, acknowledged the sheer excellence of Staley’s Gamecocks. Her comments were not just words of sportsmanship but also a recognition of the Gamecocks’ sustained excellence under Staley, who has positioned South Carolina as one of the most dominant programs in the country. The loss, despite its sting, only added to the intensity of the rivalry between these two SEC powerhouses and made the road ahead all the more interesting as both teams aim for national supremacy.

The Defeat: LSU’s Struggles and South Carolina’s Success

On the surface, the game itself was one of the more exciting matchups in women’s college basketball this season. South Carolina, continuing its perfect run in SEC play, extended its streak with an impressive 66-56 victory over a tough LSU squad. From the opening tip-off, the Gamecocks’ defense was suffocating, forcing turnovers and limiting LSU’s offensive opportunities. Angel Reese, LSU’s star forward, battled valiantly in the paint, finishing with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Yet, despite her individual brilliance, LSU found themselves stymied by South Carolina’s team defense and inability to get consistent scoring from anyone other than Reese and Flau’jae Johnson, who finished with 14 points.

South Carolina, on the other hand, leaned on their defensive depth and balanced scoring attack to secure the win. Aliyah Boston continued her excellent form, contributing 18 points and 12 rebounds. Zia Cooke added 15 points and orchestrated the offense, while Brea Beal and Kierra Fletcher both chipped in when needed, providing the Gamecocks with a full roster of contributors.

The Gamecocks’ defense was a clear factor in the win. Their ability to limit Reese’s opportunities and force LSU to take contested shots was instrumental. In contrast, South Carolina’s offense, though not always spectacular, was efficient and controlled. The Gamecocks were able to execute their game plan and continue their dominance in the SEC.

Kim Mulkey’s Statement: A Sign of Respect

Following the game, Mulkey addressed the media with a sense of humility and sportsmanship. Rather than downplay South Carolina’s performance or make excuses for her team’s struggles, Mulkey simply and respectfully acknowledged that the Gamecocks were the better team that day — and, in her view, the best team in the nation.

“I’m not one to make excuses, and this game wasn’t about that. South Carolina is the best team in the country right now,” Mulkey stated. “They’ve proven it over the last several years. They’ve got a great coach, they’ve got great players, and they’ve got the system that works. I’m proud of our team, but we have to recognize that when you’re facing a team like South Carolina, you’re facing the best. I’m just calling it like it is.”

This declaration from Mulkey, who has built a powerhouse at LSU, was remarkable. It’s not often that a head coach, after a loss, will publicly acknowledge the superiority of their opponent. But Mulkey’s words spoke volumes about the respect that the LSU coach has for her counterpart in South Carolina. Her acknowledgment also highlighted the strength of the rivalry that has developed between the two schools — a rivalry that now has national attention and could shape the postseason in ways that fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating.

Dawn Staley’s Response: A Game of Mutual Respect

Dawn Staley, the head coach of South Carolina, has been at the helm of one of the most successful programs in women’s basketball for nearly a decade. Her ability to recruit top talent, develop players, and foster a team-first mentality has resulted in South Carolina becoming a perennial contender for the NCAA title. However, Staley was quick to return the compliment to Mulkey and LSU, acknowledging how tough a challenge the Tigers presented.

“We knew LSU was going to come at us hard. Kim has built a tremendous program, and she’s a great coach. They’re always prepared, and they play hard for each other,” Staley said after the game. “We just did what we do — stay disciplined, stick to our game plan, and execute. But LSU is a team that can beat anyone on any given day. We have a lot of respect for them, and we know that we’re going to have to face them again, and it will be a completely different game.”

Staley’s response was a reflection of her coaching philosophy — humility, focus, and a deep respect for her peers. Her own team’s success is not just a product of talent but of a culture of respect for the competition and a willingness to learn and grow from every experience. Despite the victory, Staley knew that LSU’s pedigree, led by Mulkey, meant they were more than capable of bouncing back and challenging South Carolina again.

The Rivalry: South Carolina vs. LSU

The rivalry between South Carolina and LSU has grown significantly in recent years, particularly under the leadership of both Mulkey and Staley. Both teams are among the elite in women’s college basketball, and their contests are not just games but statements about where the programs stand on the national stage.

Dawn Staley took over as South Carolina’s head coach in 2008, and she quickly turned the program into one of the most successful in the nation. The Gamecocks won their first NCAA championship in 2017 and have continued to be a dominant force in women’s college basketball, consistently contending for titles and regularly finishing at or near the top of the SEC standings.

Meanwhile, Kim Mulkey took over LSU’s program in 2021 after a successful tenure at Baylor, where she won three NCAA championships. She inherited a talented roster and, in just a few seasons, has transformed LSU into a formidable contender on the national scene. In 2024, LSU reached the national championship game, and Mulkey’s ability to bring in high-profile players like Angel Reese has turned LSU into an immediate championship contender.

The rivalry is not just about the coaches. The battle between the two teams features a clash of star players. For South Carolina, Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal are all key pieces of the Gamecocks’ success, while Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson are central to LSU’s hopes of dethroning South Carolina as the SEC’s top team. The matchups between these players, as well as the tactical battles between Mulkey and Staley, add layers of intrigue to each encounter.

South Carolina’s Dominance: The Way Forward

South Carolina’s victory over LSU was another key moment in what has been a dominant season for the Gamecocks. Their defense remains the cornerstone of their success, as evidenced by their ability to limit LSU’s offense and force turnovers. Aliyah Boston, now in her final season, continues to be the heart and soul of the team, with her leadership on and off the floor invaluable in tight games.

However, it’s the depth and versatility of South Carolina’s roster that truly sets them apart. Players like Zia Cooke, Brea Beal, and Kierra Fletcher all contribute to a balanced scoring attack, ensuring that South Carolina can beat teams in a variety of ways. The Gamecocks are as comfortable winning low-scoring, gritty games as they are in up-tempo, high-scoring contests, making them unpredictable and dangerous.

South Carolina is not just built for the regular season; they are a team designed for the postseason. The Gamecocks are one of the favorites to win the NCAA championship, but they will face stiff competition, particularly from teams like LSU, Stanford, and UConn, who all have the talent and pedigree to challenge for the title.

LSU’s Path Forward: A Strong Contender

Despite the loss, LSU remains one of the top teams in the country and will be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses. Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson are two of the most talented players in the nation, and their ability to dominate games makes LSU a dangerous opponent for anyone. Coach Kim Mulkey has built a championship-caliber program, and the Tigers’ resilience will ensure that they remain in contention for a top spot in the SEC and a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

 A Game of Respect, Rivalry, and Recognition

Kim Mulkey’s decision to openly acknowledge South Carolina’s dominance following the Gamecocks’ 66-56 victory was a powerful moment of sportsmanship and recognition. In a rivalry that has become one of the most exciting in women’s college basketball, Mulkey’s words were a reflection of the respect she holds for Dawn Staley and the South Carolina program.

The rivalry between LSU and South Carolina will only intensify as both teams continue to vie for supremacy in the SEC and in the national landscape. As the season moves forward, it’s clear that these two programs — led by two of the most accomplished and respected coaches in women’s basketball — will continue to push each other to new heights. And, while South Carolina may have the upper hand for now, LSU, under Kim Mulkey’s leadership, will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with come tournament time.

In the end, this rivalry is more than just about wins and losses — it’s about two great programs, led by two great coaches, elevating the game of women’s college basketball.