In a thrilling game that showcased the resilience and tenacity of both teams, the No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat the ninth-ranked and defending national champion LSU Tigers, with a final score of 76-70. The game, which took place on Thursday night in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, left fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second.
The victory marked the 15th consecutive win for South Carolina against LSU, while also putting an end to the Tigers' impressive 29-game home winning streak. The Gamecocks, who remain undefeated this season with an impressive 18-0 record overall and 6-0 in the Southeastern Conference, showed their dominance in college basketball once again.
Chloe Kitts led the Gamecocks in scoring with 14 points, followed closely by Raven Johnson with 13 points, Te-Hina Paopao with 12 points, and Kamilla Cardoso with 11 points. Bree Hall, who struggled early in the game by missing her first six shots, came through in the clutch by making a crucial go-ahead 3-pointer with just 1:14 left on the clock. Hall's resilience and ability to step up during crunch time played a vital role in South Carolina's comeback victory.
For LSU, Aneesah Morrow stood out with an impressive performance, scoring 16 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Angel Reese contributed 15 points and eight rebounds but fouled out with four minutes left in the game, leaving a void in the Tigers' lineup. Hailey Van Lith added 12 points, while Mikaylah Williams and Flau'jae Johnson each chipped in with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Throughout the game, both teams went on runs, showcasing their determination and fortitude. LSU held an 11-point lead in the second quarter, but South Carolina didn't back down, closing the period with a 6-0 run to narrow the gap. The Gamecocks continued to fight back, taking their first lead since the opening basket of the game in the fourth quarter. The Tigers mounted a resilient effort, but South Carolina's stifling defense and clutch shooting ultimately secured the victory.
South Carolina's head coach, Dawn Staley, praised the effort and resilience displayed by both teams. She acknowledged that the game came down to the team that made the last play, and her squad proved to be that team. Staley also highlighted the impact of former South Carolina star Aliyah Boston, who provided some encouraging words to Hall during a timeout, helping her regain her confidence and find her shooting rhythm.
Looking ahead, South Carolina will face Vanderbilt on Sunday, continuing their quest for an undefeated season. However, the schedule remains challenging, with only one more ranked opponent in their final 11 regular-season games, namely No. 8 UConn, who will visit on Feb. 11.
On the other hand, LSU will aim to bounce back from this tough loss when they face Mississippi State on Monday. Head coach Kim Mulkey, in her first season with LSU after a successful tenure at Baylor, recognized the impact of losing Reese in the crucial moments of the game and emphasized the importance of toughness and experience in tight contests.
This compelling showdown between two powerhouse teams showcased the grit and determination that makes women's college basketball so exciting. Despite the outcome, both South Carolina and LSU displayed their tenacity and provided fans with a top-tier matchup that lived up to its hype.
