With an 81-67 victory in the Bayou, LSU keeps South Carolina winless in the SEC.

In a pivotal showdown between two of the most prestigious programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the LSU Tigers delivered an 81-67 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks in Baton Rouge, keeping South Carolina winless in conference play. The Gamecocks, who entered the game with high hopes despite a rocky start to their SEC schedule, were unable to overcome LSU’s explosive offense and suffocating defense. The victory not only extended South Carolina’s struggles but also solidified LSU’s position as a contender in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.

The matchup had all the makings of a critical contest: South Carolina, a team with high expectations and a legacy of success under head coach Dawn Staley, was desperately seeking their first SEC victory, while LSU, coached by Kim Mulkey, was looking to build momentum as the season entered the home stretch. In the end, LSU’s dominance in both the post and on the perimeter, along with their stifling defense, proved to be too much for the Gamecocks to handle.

This article will take a deep dive into the key moments, standout performances, and broader implications of the game, analyzing how LSU’s strategy led to the Gamecocks’ continued struggles in the SEC.

A Rough Start for South Carolina

South Carolina’s journey through SEC play this season had been less than ideal, with the Gamecocks entering this matchup with a 0-3 record in conference action. Despite a non-conference schedule that saw the team face tough opponents and even secure a few quality wins, their performance in SEC play had been underwhelming. In this particular game against LSU, South Carolina struggled to execute their game plan from the opening tip.

The Gamecocks have long been known for their tough, gritty defense under Coach Staley, but that defense was inconsistent throughout the first half. LSU, led by standout players Alexis Morris and Flau’jae Johnson, came out firing from the start, taking advantage of South Carolina’s defensive lapses. LSU’s ability to control the tempo of the game quickly became evident, as they raced to a double-digit lead in the opening minutes. South Carolina, typically the aggressor, was forced to play catch-up from early on.

South Carolina’s offense, which had been inconsistent all season, also struggled to find a rhythm. Senior guard Zia Cooke, one of the team’s most reliable scorers, had a quiet first half, contributing only 6 points by the break. Meanwhile, Aliyah Boston, one of the premier post players in women’s college basketball, was faced with a constant barrage of double-teams and aggressive defense from LSU’s frontcourt, limiting her ability to establish a dominant presence in the paint. The Tigers’ strategy was clear: take away Boston’s offensive touches and force the Gamecocks’ perimeter players to beat them.

The Gamecocks’ shooting woes continued to plague them in the first half. South Carolina’s struggles from beyond the arc were evident, as they shot just 2-of-10 from three-point range in the first half. Their lack of perimeter shooting put added pressure on their offense, and LSU capitalized on the Gamecocks’ inability to space the floor effectively.

LSU’s Strong Start: Exploiting South Carolina’s Weaknesses

LSU, on the other hand, played a nearly flawless first half. The Tigers’ offense was fluid and efficient, with Morris orchestrating the attack and Johnson providing scoring from all areas of the floor. LSU was able to exploit South Carolina’s defensive lapses, especially in transition. The Tigers’ ability to push the pace and score quickly in transition kept South Carolina on their heels, unable to establish any form of defensive consistency.

Alexis Morris, LSU’s senior point guard, played with a chip on her shoulder, leading the Tigers with 20 points in the first half. Her ability to break down the South Carolina defense, create her own shot, and facilitate for her teammates made her nearly impossible to stop. Morris was especially effective at driving to the basket, drawing fouls, and getting easy points at the free-throw line. Her playmaking ability allowed LSU to thrive offensively, as she created open looks for teammates like Flau’jae Johnson and Angel Reese.

Flau’jae Johnson, LSU’s sophomore sensation, also put on an impressive performance, finishing the first half with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Johnson’s scoring came from multiple areas on the court: mid-range jumpers, fast-break layups, and even a few clutch three-pointers. She was a key piece in LSU’s offensive attack, constantly moving without the ball and finding ways to get open in transition.

South Carolina’s inability to contain LSU’s perimeter shooters, particularly Morris and Johnson, allowed the Tigers to extend their lead. The Gamecocks’ defense, typically suffocating and relentless, was uncharacteristically passive in this game. Their inability to match LSU’s intensity on both sides of the floor allowed the Tigers to build a commanding 47-30 lead at halftime.

South Carolina’s Second-Half Push: Too Little, Too Late

Entering the second half, South Carolina came out with a renewed sense of urgency, knowing that a loss would drop them further into the basement of the SEC standings. The Gamecocks started to play with more aggression, pressuring the ball and attempting to generate more turnovers. However, LSU’s depth and balance were on full display as they continued to keep South Carolina at arm’s length.

South Carolina’s defense showed signs of life early in the second half as they went on a mini-run, cutting the lead to 12 points. The Gamecocks’ full-court press was finally starting to disrupt LSU’s rhythm, and they generated a few turnovers that turned into quick baskets. Aliyah Boston began to assert herself more in the second half, showing why she is one of the best players in the country. She finished the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds, but LSU’s defense continued to limit her ability to dominate in the post.

Zia Cooke also found her rhythm in the second half, scoring 10 of her 16 points after halftime. Cooke’s ability to create her own shot and attack the basket was crucial as the Gamecocks tried to mount a comeback. However, her efforts alone weren’t enough to overcome the Tigers’ continued offensive pressure.

Despite South Carolina’s improvements in the second half, LSU remained composed and maintained their double-digit lead. Angel Reese, one of the top forwards in the SEC, added 12 points and 9 rebounds, helping to control the paint and keep South Carolina from gaining any significant ground. Reese’s physicality and rebounding ability were key factors in limiting South Carolina’s second-chance opportunities.

LSU’s defense also held strong, particularly in the final minutes when the Gamecocks tried to push for a final run. Every time South Carolina appeared to make a dent in the Tigers’ lead, LSU responded with key buckets, whether from Morris, Johnson, or Reese. The Gamecocks simply could not string together enough stops to close the gap.

LSU’s Dominance in Key Areas

There were several critical aspects of the game that LSU excelled in, which were decisive in their victory.

1. Balanced Scoring:
LSU’s offensive balance was one of their biggest strengths. Morris, Johnson, and Reese all contributed significant scoring, and their ability to share the basketball kept South Carolina’s defense on its heels. When LSU’s stars weren’t scoring, they were facilitating, creating opportunities for their teammates. This unselfishness made the Tigers’ offense nearly impossible to defend, as South Carolina couldn’t focus on one player without leaving another open for an easy basket.

2. Transition Play:
LSU’s ability to run the floor and score in transition was a key factor in their victory. South Carolina, known for their transition defense, simply couldn’t keep up with LSU’s speed. The Tigers were able to get easy buckets in fast breaks and turn turnovers into quick points, keeping the Gamecocks from setting up their defense.

3. Rebounding:
Rebounding was another area where LSU had the upper hand. While South Carolina’s bigs like Aliyah Boston are known for their dominance on the boards, LSU’s depth in the frontcourt—especially with Reese and LaDazhia Williams—allowed them to out-rebound the Gamecocks. LSU won the battle of the boards 43-36, limiting South Carolina’s second-chance opportunities and preventing them from gaining any momentum.

4. Free Throws:
LSU’s aggressive style of play also put them in a position to shoot free throws frequently. The Tigers went 16-of-18 from the line (88.9%), while South Carolina only managed 9-of-12 (75%). LSU’s ability to capitalize on free-throw opportunities allowed them to stretch their lead and maintain control throughout the second half.

The Bigger Picture: South Carolina’s Struggles in the SEC

South Carolina’s loss to LSU is part of a broader trend of struggles in SEC play. While the Gamecocks are undoubtedly talented, particularly with players like Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, their issues in conference play are becoming more apparent. The team’s inability to generate consistent offense and execute defensively in big moments has been a point of concern. With an SEC schedule filled with tough opponents, South Carolina will need to make adjustments if they want to get back on track.

The Gamecocks’ lack of perimeter shooting and reliance on their post play has been a challenge against teams like LSU, who can space the floor and score in multiple ways. South Carolina’s defense, typically one of the best in the country, has been inconsistent in SEC play, leading to struggles against teams

with high-powered offenses like LSU.

As the season progresses, Coach Staley will need to find ways to adjust her team’s strategies and make sure the Gamecocks are firing on all cylinders. South Carolina’s season is far from over, but the Gamecocks cannot afford to continue their slide in SEC play if they want to remain in contention for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

 LSU’s Statement Win

LSU’s 81-67 victory over South Carolina was a statement win for Coach Kim Mulkey and the Tigers. It not only kept South Carolina winless in the SEC but also solidified LSU’s position as one of the top teams in the conference. With Alexis Morris leading the way, Flau’jae Johnson continuing to grow into a star, and Angel Reese dominating the paint, LSU has emerged as a formidable force in the SEC.

For South Carolina, the loss highlighted the challenges they face in the SEC this season. The Gamecocks will need to regroup and address their issues if they hope to turn their season around and get back into the mix for an NCAA Tournament run.