South Carolina Gamecocks Defeat LSU In SEC Showdown

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against LSU in Columbia, S.C., Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

The No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks showcased their dominance in the Southeastern Conference with a 66-56 victory over the No. 5 LSU Tigers. Led by Joyce Edwards' 14 points and their suffocating defense, the Gamecocks handed LSU their first loss of the season, ending their perfect start.

South Carolina's impressive performance highlighted their stronghold in the SEC, extending their regular-season conference win streak to 54 games. The Gamecocks have clinched four of the last five SEC tournament titles, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in women's college basketball.

Despite facing a talented LSU team with multiple McDonald's All-Americans, South Carolina's depth and balanced scoring proved crucial. Eight Gamecocks players logged significant minutes, with Sania Feagin contributing 12 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.

Gamecocks extend SEC win streak to 54 games, clinching four of last five tournament titles.

South Carolina's 66-56 victory over LSU ends Tigers' perfect start.

Depth and balanced scoring key in victory against talented LSU team.

South Carolina's 13th consecutive win includes seven victories against ranked opponents.

External doubts fuel Gamecocks' motivation for statement win.

Victory marks 17th consecutive win against LSU and fifth since Kim Mulkey became coach.

The victory marked South Carolina's 13th consecutive win since their sole loss to No. 1 UCLA earlier in the season. Notably, seven of their wins during this streak have come against ranked opponents, solidifying their status as a top contender.

Senior Bree Hall emphasized how external doubts fueled the Gamecocks' motivation, inspiring them to deliver a statement win against LSU. The victory extended South Carolina's winning streak to 17 games against LSU and marked their fifth consecutive win since Kim Mulkey took over as Tigers coach.

South Carolina's head coach, Dawn Staley, highlighted the significance of defeating LSU in their pursuit of a second consecutive national title. The win not only gives the Gamecocks an edge in the SEC standings but also enhances their prospects for a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The Gamecocks took control of the game in the third quarter, limiting LSU to 5-for-20 shooting and building a double-digit lead. Raven Johnson emphasized the team's resilience following challenges, including the loss of Ashlyn Watkins to a season-ending injury and a wake-up call from their defeat against UCLA.

South Carolina's victory over LSU sets the stage for an exciting continuation of their season as they aim for further success in the SEC and beyond.