One of college basketball’s most anticipated annual matchups is back in town. No. 6 LSU takes on No. 3 South Carolina.

The Tigers are still in search of a win against the Gamecocks under head coach Kim Mulkey, and this competition could prove to be tighter than ever. With major postseason implications in the latter half of conference play, does LSU have what it takes to come out on top of possibly the biggest game of the season?

Our writers got together to discuss that and everything else going on with LSU women’s basketball.

Is Flau’Jae Johnson’s current slump a big concern? How does she get out of it?

Isabelle Callahan: Although Johnson seems to be in a “slump,” her season stats with 13.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game still show she’s a productive member of the team offensively and defensively.

These numbers are down from her breakout season last year, when she averaged 18.6 points, suggesting she’s not as dominant, but she is still making an impact on the court because she’s receiving ample playing time.

This slump isn’t unusual in a long season — teams scout her, and she’s sharing more offense with teammates like Mikaylah Williams and Milaysia Fulwiley. To snap out of it, Johnson needs more assertiveness early in the game to set the tone and be aggressive attacking closeouts – that often boosts confidence and rhythm instead of late-game attempts to get back into it.

Consistent shot selection and helping foster team chemistry with her teammates will make LSU harder to defend. Also, focusing on facilitating and defense when her shooting isn’t failing can still swing momentum, so even though she is not on her A-game, it’s not going to be the biggest concern for this team.

Tre Allen: I don’t think it’s a big concern. She’s still top two on the team in scoring and while her numbers have taken a dip, other players are excelling. Of course, she wants to contribute as much as possible, but I think it’s important to understand the type of shots she’s taking and they’re not forced for the part.

I would like to see her be more aggressive early on so she can get a rhythm and set the tone for the team. 

I think attacking downhill, where she can use her length to go to the basket, but also not being afraid to settle for the mid-range, which will open her game up, creating different ways to score. Just the threat of having her on the court still forces the defense to pay attention to her and create opportunities for her teammates.

She’s still impacting the game defensively, being vocal and a leader, so as long as she can continue to do that, then she’s going to contribute regardless.

Ainsley Flood: In matchups like these, experience is one of the most valuable tools a player can have, and as a veteran of this team, that’s exactly what Johnson is bringing to the table.

Compared to many of LSU’s younger contributors, this senior has been through the fire — she knows South Carolina. Possessions will be physical, half-court oriented and mentally draining.

Johnson has led this team into multiple ranked wins this season, and I don’t see that changing just because of a few mediocre performances. But if there’s any night to step up, it’s this one. She needs to set the tone early by attacking the rim and keeping South Carolina from pulling away. Along with her energy, some fast points will help LSU carry momentum into the second half.

Ross Abboud: Johnson is key for LSU, that’s clear. But with the depth of this LSU team, she doesn’t necessarily need to be the “star.” Other players can score, pass the ball and facilitate the defense.

She is a leader and a veteran presence, and maybe that’s what this team needs from her right now.

Is LSU better with her in form? Absolutely, so I hope she finds it and can pick herself up and produce points at a high level again. But is it a concern for LSU? No.

Who are the players to watch in this matchup?

Isabelle Callahan: For LSU, Mikaylah Williams remains the steady offensive engine. In high-level SEC matchups, she’s often the player LSU turns to when possessions tighten up. Her ability to create her own shot late in the shot clock is crucial against South Carolina’s disciplined half-court defense.

If Williams is efficient from midrange and beyond the arc, it forces the Gamecocks to extend defensively. Flau’Jae Johnson is still a major storyline. Even during a slump, her athleticism in transition can quickly swing momentum.

If she gets downhill and finishes through contact, LSU’s tempo becomes much harder to control. In the paint, LSU’s frontcourt depth will be tested. Rebounding and rim protection are always central against South Carolina, which thrives on second-chance opportunities and physical interior play.

Whichever LSU post player controls the glass and avoids foul trouble will be critical for South Carolina, whose strength remains in depth and defensive versatility. The guards set the tone on defense, and the frontcourt rotation consistently crashes the boards. LSU must handle the physicality and limit turnovers to stay in control.

Tre Allen: There’s no other game than Saturday’s for MiLaysia Fulwiley to play one of her best games of the season.

She’s the best perimeter defender on the team and will pressure the ball full court to force South Carolina in uncomfortable situations. Her quick hands will add another element for the Gamecocks to consider when running their offense.

Also, when she’s on the court for offense, she changes the pace. LSU can get out in transition, and she can blow past defenders when she attacks, finding her bigs in the paint.

She’s still aggressive and a scorer, so having her on the court, you have another option when things may not be going for Flau’jae Johnson or Mikaylah Williams.

I also think Kate Koval has been playing really well. South Carolina likes to get in the paint, and with Koval’s size, she’s a massive presence in the paint. I also think her post-scoring is effective, and if the Tigers can’t get a shot to fall, Koval is right there in the paint.

Ainsley Flood: It will be Zakiyah Johnson’s first go-round with the Gamecocks, but she could be the freshman difference-maker once again on Saturday night.

She averages 10.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on a scorching 60.5% shooting from the field, but her versatility is what stands out most.

She can slide between positions, making her a nightmare to scout. If she can knock down a couple of early threes, it stretches the floor in a way that opens up the entire lane for Mikaylah Williams and Flau’jae Johnson. We know South Carolina is going to be physical, and Zakiyah has shown she isn’t afraid to mix it up and dive for 50/50 balls.

Many members of this roster have tried and failed to best the Gamecocks, so LSU’s newer talent might be just what it needs to get that seemingly insurmountable victory.

Ross Abboud: Keep your eyes on Kate Koval. She’s not flashy, she’s not even a season-long starter. But she is a rim protector. Sitting at second in total rebounds on the team, she will be key to holding the Gamecocks away from second-chance points.

What else does she do? She brings a block party to the court. Tied for the top spot in blocks on the season, her 6-foot-5-inch frame provides size advantages in the paint.

Don’t sleep on her offense either; she boasts the fourth-highest field goal percentage on the team, averaging 9.6 points per game.

What does the outcome of this game mean for LSU in the postseason?

Isabelle Callahan: This game has significant SEC and NCAA Tournament implications. A win over South Carolina would be a resume-defining victory, boosting LSU’s strength of schedule and strengthening its case for a top seed.

It would also provide a major confidence boost, proving this 2025-2026 group can handle elite physical defenses.

Even in a loss, how LSU competes matters. A close, disciplined performance reinforces that the Tigers are legitimate contenders. But a lopsided defeat could raise questions about consistency, rebounding and late-game execution — all critical factors in March.

Tre Allen: With a win, this can put LSU in the upper echelon for national championship contention. Splitting the series with Texas was huge after losing to Kentucky and Vanderbilt, but an opportunity like this tells the college basketball world who they are.

It can help them move up in the seeding for the tournament, give them an experience against another national championship contender, and the doubt that Kim Mulkey can’t beat South Carolina will be put to rest.

Depending on how LSU competes and the deficit of the loss, I think it doesn’t hurt them as much. These are games you want to have on the resume, but if it comes down to a couple of plays that could’ve changed the outcome of the game, then the result isn’t as bad.

If LSU gets run out of the gym, it can create doubt for postseason play, but it’s not the end of the world, as once the tournament starts, it’s a whole different season.

Ainsley Flood: For LSU, the home stretch of the conference season is about earning the benefit of the doubt.

The selection committee views South Carolina as the standard, so this isn’t just about shuffling the SEC standings, but proving they can dismantle a defense that holds opponents to just 33.7% shooting.

Aside from postseason seeding benefits, a win would be huge for LSU’s mentality. 17 attempts is a lot of failures — breaking that streak would be the ultimate momentum-builder into March and prove to the rest of the country that the Tigers are national title material.

Ross Abboud: This game would be massive for the Tigers’ confidence approaching the offseason. It would cement LSU as a top contender for the championship race.

A loss for the Tigers doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. With just four losses and likely a top 10 ranking still, they would still be on top of the women’s basketball world.

For reference, last season, LSU lost six games. It hosted two opening-round tournament games and advanced all the way to the regional final. The Tigers’ season was ended by the No. 1 seed, UCLA.

So hope is not lost with a loss, but a win could change the season.

What’s your final prediction for this game?

Isabelle Callahan: I think that LSU has a lot of potential to win this game, but also, there are moments of weakness; if LSU can ensure ball protection throughout the entire game and not let simple mistakes happen. If LSU can protect the ball better and keep everything rained in, I think LSU is going to walk away with a win.

Tre Allen: Overall, I think this will be a close game as the two teams play very similarly and have both picked up a pair of losses entering this game.

I think having home-court advantage will play a big role in how LSU starts the game and carries it throughout four quarters, but South Carolina is still a talented team and will find ways to counter and calm the storm.

The offensive inconsistencies are a concern for LSU, especially after its struggles in the fourth quarter against Texas. The Gamecocks are going to apply tight pressure all game, and with the experience for South Carolina, I think they’ll be able to take advantage of mistakes that’ll be enough to pull away.

Ainsley Flood: LSU finally has the depth to match South Carolina’s bench, and playing in a sold-out PMAC is an advantage like no other. So, I think LSU gets its elusive win.

This is not Kim Mulkey’s first rodeo with the Gamecocks, and with MiLaysia Fulwiley as the ace up her sleeve, I think they’ve had this date circled in red all season. Plain and simple, Mulkey has all the tools to do it, and this will be the year LSU finishes the job.

Ross Abboud: This is the best position LSU has been in to beat the Gamecocks in their 17-year skid. With it being a Saturday night at home, a deep roster full of unselfish players and a fan base that will be riding the Mardi Gras vibe, LSU has the upper hand.

I think LSU pulls off the win. The game will be close, within one possession, and it will come down to the final moments.

It’ll take finding scoring consistency in the fourth quarter and staying locked in on rebounding and defensive improvements, but the Tigers are equipped for this stage.