South Carolina-LSU’s season-changing officiating was named one of the worst in 2024.

In the world of sports, the role of officiating can often be the difference between victory and defeat, and this was clearly the case in the highly anticipated 2024 showdown between the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and the Louisiana State University Tigers (LSU). The game, which had major implications for both teams in the SEC standings, took a dramatic turn due to controversial officiating decisions. What was supposed to be a thrilling contest between two powerhouse programs quickly devolved into a spectacle of frustration and confusion as key calls made by the officials ignited widespread debate and anger among fans, players, and coaches alike.

As the game unfolded, it became increasingly evident that the officiating was not up to the standard expected at such a high-stakes contest. The poor decisions had an undeniable impact on the outcome, leading to one of the most talked-about and criticized officiating performances of the 2024 season. Following the game, numerous media outlets, analysts, and social media users took to platforms to express their dissatisfaction, with many calling it one of the worst officiated games in recent memory.

This article delves into the events of the game, examining the controversial calls, the reactions from coaches and players, and the lasting impact this officiating performance had on both teams and their seasons. We’ll explore how this game went from being a must-watch, high-energy matchup to one marred by frustration and controversy, and why it was ultimately named one of the worst officiated games in 2024.

Section 1: The Build-Up – South Carolina vs. LSU

Both South Carolina and LSU entered the game with high expectations. South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, was coming off an impressive string of wins, positioning themselves as a top contender in the SEC and nationally. With standout players such as Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, the Gamecocks were looking to solidify their status as a championship-caliber team. A victory over LSU would have kept them firmly in the race for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

On the other hand, LSU, under the guidance of head coach Kim Mulkey, was also one of the top teams in the conference, boasting a talented roster and a strong tradition of success. LSU was determined to make a statement on their home court, hoping to gain ground in the standings and prove that they were every bit as formidable as South Carolina.

The game was more than just a contest between two great teams; it was a pivotal moment in the season for both programs. The stakes were high, with both teams having legitimate national championship aspirations. Fans packed the stands, eagerly anticipating a competitive and entertaining matchup. However, what was supposed to be an exciting contest would quickly take a turn for the worse, as the officiating would become the main storyline.

Section 2: The Controversial Calls – A Breakdown

From the start of the game, the officiating seemed to be under intense scrutiny. While early calls were standard, it wasn’t long before contentious decisions began to pile up, frustrating both teams and their supporters. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key moments where the officiating was called into question:

1. Questionable Foul Calls: One of the first controversial moments came early in the first half, when South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston was called for a foul on what appeared to be a clean block. Boston, known for her defensive prowess, was visibly frustrated, as the call sent her to the bench with two quick fouls. Many fans and analysts alike questioned the call, arguing that it was a poor decision and that Boston’s positioning was legitimate. The foul trouble for Boston limited her impact on the game, and many believed that the call significantly altered the flow of the game.
2. Inconsistent Free-Throw Calls: As the game progressed, the inconsistency in how fouls were being called became even more apparent. At times, LSU players seemed to be benefiting from overly generous foul calls, with several questionable free throws awarded after minimal contact. Meanwhile, South Carolina players felt that they were not receiving similar calls on their end, particularly in the paint where they were often making aggressive moves. The disparity in free-throw attempts was glaring, with LSU taking advantage of every opportunity at the line, while South Carolina struggled to get the same treatment.
3. Missed Goaltending Call: Perhaps the most debated call came in the second half when LSU’s defense appeared to block a shot from South Carolina that was clearly on its way down toward the basket—essentially goaltending. The officials, however, did not call the violation, and the shot was counted as a missed attempt. Replays showed that the ball was, in fact, on a downward trajectory when the LSU player made contact with it. This missed goaltending call was a pivotal moment in the game, as it denied South Carolina a crucial basket and momentum swing.
4. Unnecessary Technical Foul: Another contentious moment occurred when South Carolina was hit with a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. The foul was called on a minor incident in which a South Carolina player appeared to be reacting to a no-call after a hard foul. While the reaction was exaggerated, many felt that the technical foul was unwarranted. LSU capitalized on the free throws, increasing their lead in what had already become a frustrating game for the Gamecocks.
5. Timing and Clock Management: The final moments of the game were marred by questionable clock management. With just seconds left on the game clock and South Carolina trying to mount a final comeback, the officials allowed what seemed like several extra seconds to run off the clock during a key possession for the Gamecocks. This extra time ultimately prevented South Carolina from getting off a final shot to tie the game, leading many to criticize the officials for not properly managing the game’s final moments.

Section 3: The Reactions – Coaches, Players, and Fans Speak Out

The aftermath of the game saw widespread backlash against the officiating. Both coaches, Dawn Staley of South Carolina and Kim Mulkey of LSU, were vocal in their responses, though each reacted in different ways.

1. Dawn Staley’s Frustration: Staley, known for her composed demeanor and leadership, was visibly upset in the postgame interview. She refrained from directly criticizing the officials but made it clear that the game’s outcome was influenced by poor officiating. “We didn’t lose this game because of a lack of effort. We didn’t lose this game because of a lack of execution. We lost this game because we were put in a position where we couldn’t even compete fairly,” Staley said. She went on to discuss the impact of the controversial foul calls and missed goaltending call, stating, “When you’re not allowed to play the game the way it’s supposed to be played, it’s frustrating for the players and the coaches. I’m proud of the way they handled themselves, but that was not the South Carolina team we know.”
2. Kim Mulkey’s Deflection: In contrast, Kim Mulkey took a more measured approach in her comments about the officiating. Mulkey acknowledged that the game was physically intense but emphasized that LSU had been prepared to fight through adversity. “We’ve been in tight situations before,” she said, “and we know how to finish games. The officials did their job, and we did ours. You can’t blame anyone else for the outcome of a game except for yourself.”
3. Player Reactions: For many of the players, the officiating became the central issue of the game. Aliyah Boston, who had been in foul trouble for much of the contest, expressed her frustration by stating, “It’s tough when you’re trying to help your team and you get called for fouls that don’t make sense. I don’t want to make excuses, but that was hard to overcome.” Zia Cooke, another star for South Carolina, added, “We couldn’t get a fair shot at it. It felt like every time we tried to get something going, a call went against us. That’s not how it should be.”
4. Fan Reactions: Fans of both teams took to social media and sports forums to voice their opinions on the officiating. South Carolina fans expressed outrage at the missed calls and foul discrepancies, while LSU supporters were quick to defend the officiating, arguing that their team earned the victory through hard play. Nonetheless, the consensus across the board was that the officiating had a major impact on the game, and many fans called for accountability from the officiating crew.

Section 4: The Impact on the Season – Implications for Both Teams

The fallout from the South Carolina-LSU game was far-reaching. For South Carolina, the loss not only cost them a chance to solidify their position in the SEC standings but also shook their confidence heading into the final stretch of the season. The Gamecocks now had to regroup and re-focus for their remaining games, knowing that this loss could impact their seeding in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

On the other hand, LSU gained a significant victory that kept them firmly in the hunt for a high seed in the tournament. However, the win came with an asterisk, as many questioned whether the Tigers’ victory was truly earned or if it was influenced by the officiating. The game left LSU fans with mixed emotions—happy with the win but aware of the controversy surrounding it.

The game’s poor officiating also set a troubling precedent for the rest of the season. Both teams had to consider how to adjust to officiating that might not always be fair or consistent. South Carolina, in particular, would have to find a way to overcome any external obstacles, including the referees, if they hoped to achieve their championship aspirations.