The Recap: LSU Basketball Beats the South Carolina Gamecocks 81-67 in the SEC

In a highly anticipated SEC matchup, the LSU Tigers handed the South Carolina Gamecocks a tough 81-67 loss, continuing South Carolina’s struggles in conference play and asserting LSU’s dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) race. The win for LSU, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, not only kept the Tigers at the top of the SEC standings but also marked a pivotal moment in the Gamecocks’ journey through a challenging conference schedule. For South Carolina, it was a hard-hitting loss that highlighted their ongoing difficulties as they continue to search for consistency.

The game saw stellar individual performances from LSU’s Alexis Morris, who orchestrated the Tigers’ offense with poise and skill, and Flau’jae Johnson, whose all-around play lifted LSU’s offensive attack. South Carolina, despite strong efforts from star players like Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, was unable to match LSU’s firepower and defensive tenacity. LSU’s suffocating defense and explosive offense allowed them to control the game from start to finish, never relinquishing their lead.

This recap will delve into the game’s key moments, standout performances, and the broader implications of LSU’s victory, offering insights into how the Tigers were able to stifle South Carolina’s offensive rhythm and assert their dominance in the SEC.

First Half: LSU’s Fast Start and South Carolina’s Struggles

The game began with high stakes for both teams. South Carolina, coming off a string of disappointing SEC losses, was eager to get their first win in conference play. LSU, however, had other plans, and they wasted no time in asserting their presence in the game. The Tigers came out with intensity, jumping to an early lead thanks to their fast-paced offense and strong defense.

LSU’s Explosive Offense

The Tigers’ offense, orchestrated by senior point guard Alexis Morris, was firing on all cylinders early. Morris, who would finish the game with a game-high 25 points, was a major catalyst in LSU’s first-half performance. She scored efficiently from all areas of the court, hitting pull-up jumpers, driving to the basket, and drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line. Morris’ ability to create for herself and her teammates allowed LSU to quickly establish a rhythm on the offensive end.

Flau’jae Johnson, LSU’s dynamic sophomore guard, was also a standout in the first half. Johnson, who finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds, was all over the floor. She contributed in every facet of the game—scoring, rebounding, and defending. Johnson’s ability to create offense both off the dribble and in transition kept South Carolina’s defense scrambling. Whether it was a quick three-pointer, a steal leading to a fast-break layup, or a mid-range jumper, Johnson was constantly a threat.

South Carolina struggled to contain LSU’s high-scoring duo. Morris’ penetration into the lane and Johnson’s ability to stretch the floor put immense pressure on the Gamecocks’ defense, which, historically, has been one of the best in the nation. South Carolina’s defenders had difficulty staying in front of the Tigers’ guards, and LSU’s aggressive ball movement created open looks all over the floor. By the time the first half ended, LSU had built a 47-30 lead, much to the dismay of the Gamecocks.

South Carolina’s Offensive Woes

For South Carolina, the first half was a frustrating one. Despite a strong start to the game, they quickly found themselves in a hole they couldn’t dig themselves out of. The Gamecocks’ offense, led by senior guard Zia Cooke and star forward Aliyah Boston, struggled to find its rhythm.

Cooke, who entered the game as one of South Carolina’s primary offensive threats, had difficulty getting open looks against LSU’s tenacious defense. The Tigers threw multiple defenders at Cooke, limiting her ability to drive to the basket and forcing her to settle for contested jump shots. Cooke finished the half with just 6 points, which was a far cry from the offensive output she is known to produce.

Aliyah Boston, the reigning NCAA Player of the Year, faced a similar challenge. Boston, one of the most dominant post players in college basketball, was constantly double-teamed by LSU’s forwards and struggled to get easy looks around the basket. Boston finished the first half with only 4 points and was held to just 1 rebound, an uncharacteristically quiet performance for the star player. LSU’s size and length in the paint, combined with their ability to collapse on Boston whenever she touched the ball, kept her from asserting the dominance she’s known for.

South Carolina also struggled with their shooting in the first half. The Gamecocks went just 2-of-10 from three-point range and couldn’t consistently hit outside shots to loosen up LSU’s defense. With their interior offense stifled and their perimeter shooting off, South Carolina’s offensive flow was disrupted.

Second Half: South Carolina’s Push and LSU’s Resilience

Despite the large deficit entering the second half, South Carolina came out with renewed intensity. Head coach Dawn Staley made adjustments, urging her team to ramp up their defensive pressure and push the ball in transition to generate easier scoring opportunities. The Gamecocks started the second half on a 7-0 run, cutting the lead to 47-37 and giving their fans hope that a comeback might be in the cards.

South Carolina’s Defensive Adjustment

The Gamecocks’ defensive intensity picked up in the second half. They implemented a more aggressive full-court press, which seemed to disrupt LSU’s offensive rhythm for a brief period. South Carolina generated a few turnovers, leading to fast-break points and some momentum-building baskets. Brea Beal and Kamilla Cardoso were especially active on defense, with Beal getting in passing lanes and Cardoso anchoring the paint as LSU tried to attack the rim.

During this stretch, Aliyah Boston started to find her footing. She became more aggressive on the boards, collecting crucial rebounds and establishing herself as a force in the post. Boston scored 12 of her 16 points in the second half and had a much more impactful presence in the paint. Her efforts, along with a few timely three-pointers from Cooke, helped South Carolina trim the deficit to just 10 points with about 5 minutes remaining in the game.

LSU’s Poise Under Pressure

While South Carolina fought back, LSU refused to let the game slip away. The Tigers’ veterans, particularly Morris and Johnson, remained calm and composed as the Gamecocks continued to pressure them. Morris, who had been the offensive engine for LSU throughout the game, responded with clutch baskets to maintain the lead. Whether it was a tough jumper in the lane or a drive to the basket that resulted in free throws, Morris answered every South Carolina run with a timely score.

Angel Reese, who finished the game with 14 points and 8 rebounds, also stepped up in the second half. Reese, who has emerged as one of the most dominant forwards in the SEC, was key in staving off any South Carolina rally. Her physical presence in the post and ability to score in the paint kept LSU in control of the game.

LSU’s offense continued to flow smoothly, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort. The Tigers’ ball movement remained sharp, as they capitalized on South Carolina’s defensive lapses and stretched the lead back to 15 points with just a few minutes remaining.

Free Throws and LSU’s Final Push

In the final minutes, LSU’s ability to hit free throws sealed the win. The Tigers were aggressive on offense and forced South Carolina to foul in order to extend the game. LSU knocked down 16 of their 18 free-throw attempts, an 88.9% clip, while South Carolina only managed to hit 9-of-12 from the line. The Gamecocks’ inability to generate stops in the final moments and LSU’s consistent scoring from the free-throw line ensured that the Tigers would leave Baton Rouge with the victory.

Key Takeaways and Implications for Both Teams

LSU’s Balanced Attack

One of the biggest takeaways from LSU’s victory was their balanced offensive attack. The Tigers had four players finish in double figures: Alexis Morris (25 points), Flau’jae Johnson (18 points), Angel Reese (14 points), and LaDazhia Williams (11 points). This depth was crucial in keeping South Carolina’s defense off-balance and allowing LSU to maintain control throughout the game. The Tigers’ ability to spread the scoring load across multiple players made them difficult to defend, especially with the Gamecocks focusing their attention on Morris and Johnson.

South Carolina’s Struggles in SEC Play

For South Carolina, the loss underscored the challenges they’ve faced in SEC play. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the country, the Gamecocks have struggled to find consistency on offense. Aliyah Boston, typically a dominant force in the paint, has been limited by double-teams and physical defenses, and South Carolina’s lack of perimeter shooting has further compounded their struggles. Zia Cooke, one of the team’s primary scoring threats, has been inconsistent, and the Gamecocks have yet to find a rhythm as they look to regroup in the SEC.

South Carolina’s defense, while still elite in stretches, has been exposed at times this season, particularly against teams with high-powered offenses like LSU. To get back on track, the Gamecocks will need to find more balance on offense, especially with their perimeter shooting, and continue to develop their defensive schemes to contend with top-tier SEC opponents.

LSU’s Championship Aspirations

For LSU, the win solidified their place among the top teams in the SEC and bolstered their confidence as

they look ahead to the NCAA Tournament. With a well-rounded roster, led by the dynamic duo of Morris and Johnson, LSU has the tools to make a deep run. Kim Mulkey’s team has shown they can win in multiple ways: through fast breaks, inside scoring, and strong defensive play. As the Tigers continue to develop chemistry and build on this victory, they will be a team to watch in both the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.