Last time Kim Mulkey and her LSU Tigers met South Carolina on the road, it ended with the Tigers suffering their first loss of the season by 24 points in 2023.

Now, LSU finds itself in an identical spot; unbeaten and underdogs.

The difference in this matchup is that South Carolina has a loss, falling short to UCLA by 15 points in November. UCLA is currently ranked No. 1.

But the Gamecocks have cruised to victories ever since, scoring 75 points or more since their loss to UCLA. They’re also ranked second in the SEC in fewest points allowed per game at 55.1.

It’s another year with head coach Dawn Staley at the helm at South Carolina, and once again, the Gamecocks are in a good position to defend their national championship for last season.

Here’s what South Carolina brings to the table for its matchup with LSU on Thursday, when the Tigers look to stay unbeaten with an immense statement win.

Unmatched depth

South Carolina comes out the gates with talent in dynamic playmakers like Chloe Kitts, Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson in the starting lineup.

But arguably the most consistent playmakers for the Gamecocks come off the bench.

It starts with South Carolina’s leading scorer, Joyce Edwards, a true freshman forward. She averages 12.1 points per game along with 4.9 rebounds per game and a 56.6% field goal percentage.

While she adds significant production to the front court, Milaysia Fulwiley and Tessa Johnson, both sophomores, add to the backcourt off the bench.

Fulwiley and Johnson came off the bench on last season’s National Championship winning team. Johnson scored a team-high 19 points, shooting 7-for-11 from the field and 3-for-6 from three. Fulwiley added nine points, four rebounds and four assists.

In the Gamecocks most recent win, a 41-point blowout over No. 13 Oklahoma, the sophomore tandem combined for 28 points. Edwards added another 17.

With Staley able to look to these three bench players along with the starters, and get the same if not better production, players are able to rest longer and be able to play competitively late in games.

Experience and height in the paint

Going into this season, Staley looked to Kitts to be a crucial leader of the team as a returning starter.

Kitts has come through, averaging 9.5 points along with 7.6 rebounds. While Kitts has carried her weight, Sania Feagin, another valuable returner, has been right there with her, averaging 7.4 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per game.

Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, they could have more reinforcements, but returning 6-foot-3 forward, Ashlyn Watkins, went down with a torn ACL against Mississippi State on Jan. 5, forcing her to miss the remainder of the season.

But with Kitts at 6-foot-2, and Feagin and Edwards both at 6-foot-3, South Carolina not only brings experience and overall production to its frontcourt, but it also brings height, lots of it.

Raven Johnson

Against LSU in last season’s regular season, Johnson totaled 13 points, including a clutch layup to put the Gamecocks ahead for good with 20 seconds left in the game.

In lots of games, Johnson is the unsung hero. She separates herself with her defense, especially on the perimeter; she especially showed that in last season’s National Championship.

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark did not have an easy day, shooting 10-for-28 from the field, and 5-for-13 from three.

Who was guarding her for South Carolina? Raven Johnson.

Last season, Johnson averaged 2.1 steals per game along with 5.2 rebounds per game and 4.2 defensive rebounds per game.

With past players like Aliyah Boston in 2023 and Kamilla Cardoso in 2024 in the spotlight, Johnson has been there to see it all. She’s been a big piece in both those seasons, but she’s now able to put her leadership at the forefront.