LSU
South Carolina
GREENVILLE, S.C. (03/06/2026) — The South Carolina Gamecocks outlasted the LSU Tigers 83-77 in a physical, back-and-forth affair Friday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, advancing in the SEC Tournament after a contest that featured nine ties and four lead changes.
In a game defined by big shots and shifting momentum, South Carolina landed the final, decisive blows. The Gamecocks sealed the victory with clutch three-point shooting in the final minutes, weathering every rally the Tigers mounted in a classic SEC showdown.
How It Happened
The Gamecocks started quickly, with center Madina Okot scoring a layup in the opening minute. The first quarter was a preview of the entire game, as neither team could create separation. A deep 27-foot three-pointer from South Carolina’s Raven Johnson gave the Gamecocks a 17-13 advantage, but LSU’s Jada Richard answered with a layup just before the buzzer to cut the deficit to 21-17.
LSU stormed back in the second quarter. After Richard opened the period with a pullup jumper, MiLaysia Fulwiley’s layup at the 8:30 mark gave the Tigers their first lead, 23-22. The teams traded baskets and the lead, with Raven Johnson and Tessa Johnson connecting from long range for South Carolina to keep pace. The Tigers, however, closed the half with a flourish. A three-pointer from Fulwiley reclaimed the lead for LSU, and an Amiya Joyner layup as time expired sent the Tigers into the locker room with a 40-36 lead.
The third quarter belonged to South Carolina. Raven Johnson took control, hitting a layup to give the Gamecocks a 43-42 lead and following up with a 27-foot three-pointer a minute later. South Carolina methodically built its largest lead of the game, 52-45, on a Maddy McDaniel three-pointer with 3:03 left in the period. LSU’s Jada Richard answered with a three of her own to stop the run, but a Raven Johnson jumper at the buzzer kept the Gamecocks ahead 59-54 entering the final frame.
LSU refused to go away. After falling behind by seven, the Tigers battled all the way back, with a MiLaysia Fulwiley three-pointer knotting the score at 63-63 with 7:06 remaining. The teams traded clutch shots down the stretch, setting up a dramatic finish.
Turning Point
With the game on the line, South Carolina’s Mikaylah Williams delivered the knockout blows. After LSU had pulled within two points, Williams drained a 27-foot three-pointer with 2:25 remaining to extend the Gamecock lead to 75-70.
After LSU fought back to make it a one-possession game, Williams struck again. With just 10 seconds on the clock and the Gamecocks clinging to a one-point lead, Williams launched a 29-foot dagger that found the bottom of the net, pushing the score to 81-77 and effectively ending the Tigers' hopes.
Star of the Game
While official stats were pending, South Carolina guard Raven Johnson was the engine for the Gamecocks all night. Johnson was a constant threat from beyond the arc, hitting three crucial three-pointers, often from well beyond 25 feet. She scored at the end of both the first and third quarters, consistently providing a steadying offensive presence and creating opportunities for her teammates. Her layup early in the third quarter recaptured a lead the Gamecocks would never relinquish.
What It Means
For the South Carolina Gamecocks, the victory is a significant step forward in their quest for an SEC Tournament title. Defeating a rival in a tightly contested game demonstrates the team's late-game execution and resilience under pressure. The Gamecocks move on, carrying the momentum from one of the tournament's most exciting games so far.
The loss is a difficult end to the tournament run for the LSU Tigers. After taking a lead into halftime and tying the game late in the fourth quarter, LSU was unable to find an answer for South Carolina’s perimeter shooting in the final minutes. The Tigers fought until the final buzzer in a game that lived up to its rivalry billing.