The SEC Women’s Basketball Rivalry: LSU vs. South Carolina
In recent years, a particular rivalry has captured the essence of SEC women’s basketball: Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers facing off against Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks.
A Tumultuous Encounter
Last season, the stakes reached a boiling point when the two teams met for the SEC championship. The intensity escalated to a chaotic confrontation, with South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso colliding with LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson in a moment that straddled the line between competitive spirit and outright brawl.
Despite LSU’s valiant effort in the fourth quarter, they fell short, with South Carolina emerging victorious with a score of 79-72. This victory marked South Carolina’s 16th consecutive win over LSU, solidifying their dominance in this fierce matchup.
Looking Ahead: Another Chance for LSU
The LSU Tigers will face the Gamecocks once more on January 23 in Columbia, SC. This encounter will be LSU’s sixth conference game of the season and will follow their trip to Florida just days prior.
Importance of the Matchup
The SEC’s schedule isn’t always as rigorous as those in other conferences, making the showdown with South Carolina pivotal. The outcome could significantly impact LSU’s chances of securing a coveted No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, rather than slipping to a No. 3 or No. 4 seed.
