The South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the LSU Tigers in a close and intense battle in the Pete Maravich Center on Saturday night.
It was a heartbreaking loss, as LSU lack of efficiency resulted in the Gamecocks taking the win to extend their dominance over the Tigers to 18 in a row. Dawn Staley also improved her record against Kim Mulkey, as they are now 7-2 and 6-0 ever since Coach Mulkey joined the Tigers.
LSU started the first half being really efficient on offense. MyLaysia Fulweily subbed in with four minutes to go in the first quarter. The PMAC roared as she was facing South Carolina for the first time ever since she joined LSU. The atmosphere was electric as LSU led the first quarter 21-16. Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams shinned.
The second half was very intense, but it was mostly led by the Tigers. At some points of the quarter, LSU led by six, but South Carolina managed to stay close to the Tigers. LSU started to be deficient on offense, as the Gamecocks outscored the Tigers by six, taking the lead 41-40 into the halftime. The star for the Tigers was Flau’jae, leading the team with 14 points, and four rebounds.
The Gamecocks had a quick start to the third quarter, outscoring the Tigers 9-2. LSU managed to come back and play better after Bella Hines got on the court. She had some key field goals that would bring LSU back into the game. South Carolina would have another strong end to the third quarter, scoring four points in the last 36 seconds to separate and take a five point lead into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was intense, as LSU battled and did everything in their power to compete against South Carolina, as they managed to stay within a five-point range for most of the fourth quarter. With one minute on the clock, LSU had the opportunity to tie and take the lead as Flau’jae Johnson drew a foul when the Tigers were down by one. LSU’s superstar misses both. These missed attempts would be the determinant factor for the Gamecocks to beat the Tigers.
LSU still has plenty to play for as they are heading to Oxford, Mississippi, to face Ole Miss on Thursday.
