In a highly anticipated clash in Columbia, South Carolina, the second-ranked Gamecocks showcased their dominance over the fifth-ranked LSU Tigers with a thorough 66-56 victory. This match, rescheduled due to inclement weather, lived up to the expectations, featuring a fierce rivalry between two teams that have squared off for the past three national titles. With this win, South Carolina improved to 19-1, remaining undefeated in the Southeastern Conference (7-0) and handing LSU their first loss of the season, which now stands at 20-1.
Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks with an impressive 14 points, effectively contributing to the offensive effort against a struggling LSU defense. Complementing her performance, Sania Feagin secured 12 points and demonstrated her prowess on the boards with seven rebounds. For LSU, Aneesah Morrow made history by notching her 93rd career double-double, earning 15 points along with an astounding 16 rebounds, surpassing Jillian Alleyne of Oregon as the second-most all-time in Division I history. Flau’jae Johnson also made her mark, although her contributions diminished after the first half, finishing with 13 points overall.
The game saw South Carolina seize a commanding 10-point advantage in the third quarter, a lead LSU could never effectively challenge. Historically, this game was particularly significant as it marked the Gamecocks’ 17th consecutive victory over the Tigers, notching their fifth win against Kim Mulkey since she took over as LSU’s head coach. South Carolina has firmly established themselves as the benchmark team in the SEC, defeating four ranked opponents consecutively.
Defensively, the Gamecocks put forth a tactical masterclass, limiting LSU’s shooting to an abysmal 29.9% for the entire match. The Tigers were particularly hindered in the third quarter, shooting just 5-for-20. It marked a rare occurrence under Coach Mulkey, as the Tigers had never before shot below 30% in a game during her tenure—a statistic that underscores South Carolina’s defensive tenacity.
A pivotal juncture occurred when Te’Hina Paopao’s basket expanded South Carolina’s lead to 41-35. Capitalizing on this momentum, the Gamecocks forced consecutive turnovers, leading to quick baskets that further solidified their third-quarter dominance. The defensive pressure was palpable throughout the game, with South Carolina recording a staggering 13 steals and 11 blocks, highlighting their aggressive approach on both ends of the court.
As the season progresses, LSU will host Texas A&M, aiming to bounce back from this defeat, while South Carolina will travel to face Tennessee. With only UCLA remaining undefeated in the nation, the spotlight now firmly rests on the Gamecocks as they pursue their quest for another SEC championship. As this electrifying season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling matchups, particularly as the stakes heighten in tournament play.
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