The matchup between the LSU Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in women’s basketball embodies a high-stakes battle of skill, strategy, and prestige within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Both programs boast storied pasts and current rosters brimming with top-tier talent, ensuring every encounter is fiercely contested. This post presents a comprehensive look at their recent performances, star players, and the head-to-head stats that define one of the most thrilling rivalries in women’s college basketball.
Team Profiles & Season Background
LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball
Since establishing their program in 1975, the LSU Tigers have progressed into a dominant force, solidified by six Final Four appearances and their historic first national championship in 2023. Under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey, LSU has revitalized its approach, emphasizing dynamic offense, aggressive recruiting, and disciplined defense. This transformation has placed the Tigers among the elite in collegiate women’s basketball.
South Carolina Gamecocks Women’s Basketball
Led by coach Dawn Staley since 2008, the Gamecocks have achieved unprecedented success, securing three NCAA championships (2017, 2022, and 2024). Known for an intimidating defense and extraordinary roster depth, South Carolina continues to dominate the SEC, frequently making deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Their balanced offense and defensive mastery keep them perched near the top of national rankings year after year.
SEC Standings & Key Team Statistics
As of January 16, 2025, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) women’s basketball standings reveal LSU and South Carolina as front-runners, each vying for the top spot. Below are the current standings and vital team metrics that underscore their successes.
SEC Standings
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSU Tigers | 3-0 | 18-0 | 100% |
| South Carolina Gamecocks | 3-0 | 16-1 | 94.1% |
(Conference records reflect SEC games; overall records represent all matches played up to January 16, 2025.)
Key Season Statistics
| Category | LSU Tigers | South Carolina Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (PPG) | 91.6 | 87.2 |
| Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | 48.3 | 46.8 |
| Assists Per Game (APG) | 19.7 | 18.9 |
| Field Goal % | 50.2% | 49.5% |
| Blocks Per Game (BPG) | 5.1 | 7.3 |
LSU Tigers: Under Kim Mulkey’s guidance, LSU leads the SEC in scoring (91.6 PPG)
and ranks second in assists (19.7 APG). Their high field goal percentage (50.2%)
underscores an efficient offense that capitalizes on fast breaks and inside scoring.
South Carolina Gamecocks: Dawn Staley’s team combines a balanced offense
(87.2 PPG) with the conference’s best shot-blocking unit (7.3 BPG), reflecting their
emphasis on interior defense and roster depth.
Star Players & Individual Performances
Star-studded rosters fuel the LSU-South Carolina rivalry, featuring game-changers who consistently put up impressive stats in marquee matchups.
LSU Tigers: Key Contributors
| Player | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | Blocks Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flau’jae Johnson (G) | 20.2 | 6.2 | 5.4 | 1.0 |
| Aneesah Morrow (F) | 18.5 | 14.0 | 2.8 | 1.2 |
| Mikaylah Williams (G) | 15.3 | 5.8 | 3.1 | 0.9 |
- Flau’jae Johnson: LSU’s top scorer at 20.2 PPG, recognized for her clutch shooting and leadership in late-game situations.
- Aneesah Morrow: A double-double machine (18.5 PPG, 14.0 RPG), anchoring LSU’s frontcourt with dominant rebounding and rim protection.
- Mikaylah Williams: Providing 15.3 PPG, she bolsters the Tigers’ perimeter scoring and maintains defensive versatility.
South Carolina Gamecocks: Impact Players
| Player | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | Blocks Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyce Edwards (F) | 11.3 | 6.8 | 2.4 | 1.1 |
| Te-Hina Paopao (G) | 10.5 | 3.2 | 4.1 | 0.5 |
| Chloe Kitts (F) | 9.8 | 7.4 | 1.8 | 1.3 |
- Joyce Edwards: A freshman forward leading the team with 11.3 PPG, also chipping in solid rebounding and defensive numbers.
- Te-Hina Paopao: The “engine” of South Carolina’s offense (10.5 PPG, 4.1 APG), orchestrating plays and contributing veteran leadership.
- Chloe Kitts: A multi-dimensional forward with 9.8 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 1.3 BPG, bolstering the team’s interior defense and scoring depth.
LSU vs. South Carolina: Recent Meetings & Key Stats
The rivalry between these two programs produces intense showdowns, often with SEC or postseason implications on the line. Here is a closer look at their most recent encounters and the pivotal stats that influenced each outcome.
Recent Head-to-Head Matchups
| Date | Winner | Score | Top Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 10, 2024 (SEC Tournament Final) | South Carolina | 79-72 | MiLaysia Fulwiley (24 pts) |
| January 25, 2024 | South Carolina | 76-70 | MiLaysia Fulwiley (17 pts) |
These two meetings illustrate the fierce competition and strategic adaptations from both sides. In each matchup, South Carolina overcame LSU’s potent offense by controlling the paint, leveraging bench contributions, and relying on clutch performances from MiLaysia Fulwiley.
March 10, 2024 (SEC Tournament Final) – Key Moments
- Score: South Carolina 79 – LSU 72
- Fulwiley’s Explosion: MiLaysia Fulwiley posted 24 points, sinking crucial three-pointers in the final quarter.
- Physical Battle: The game was marked by aggressive rebounding and a brief on-court altercation, leading to multiple player ejections.
January 25, 2024 – Comeback Victory
- Score: South Carolina 76 – LSU 70
- Key Run: South Carolina trailed by 11 points entering the fourth quarter but outscored LSU 24-14 in the final frame.
- Bench Contributions: The Gamecocks’ reserves contributed 16 points versus LSU’s 4, proving decisive in the comeback.
Performance by Quarters (Jan 25, 2024 Game)
| Quarter | LSU Tigers Points | South Carolina Points |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 22 | 18 |
| Q2 | 19 | 21 |
| Q3 | 15 | 13 |
| Q4 | 14 | 24 |
Despite LSU’s early lead, South Carolina’s fourth-quarter surge, fueled by bench players and defensive adjustments, sealed the victory.
Detailed Match Player Stats (Example from January 25, 2024)
Below is an illustrative breakdown of key players’ performances from LSU and South Carolina during their January 25, 2024 contest.
LSU Tigers: Key Players in the Match
| Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks | FG-FGA | 3PT-3PTA | FT-FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flau’jae Johnson (G) | 35 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 9-16 | 2-5 | 2-2 |
| Aneesah Morrow (F) | 37 | 16 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 7-14 | 0-1 | 2-4 |
| Mikaylah Williams (G) | 32 | 14 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6-11 | 2-3 | 0-0 |
South Carolina Gamecocks: Key Players in the Match
| Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks | FG-FGA | 3PT-3PTA | FT-FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MiLaysia Fulwiley (G) | 34 | 17 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 7-14 | 3-6 | 0-0 |
| Te-Hina Paopao (G) | 36 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 3-8 | 2-5 | 2-2 |
| Chloe Kitts (F) | 30 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 5-9 | 0-0 | 2-2 |
In this matchup, Flau’jae Johnson led LSU in scoring with 22 points, while MiLaysia Fulwiley delivered 17 points and 6 assists to power South Carolina’s comeback. Aneesah Morrow’s double-double effort (16 points, 15 rebounds) was offset by Chloe Kitts’ pivotal defensive contributions and 12-point, 10-rebound performance.
Rivalry Outlook & Conclusion
The LSU Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks rivalry remains one of the most captivating narratives in women’s college basketball. Each meeting showcases top-tier talent, evolving strategies, and intense competition with championship implications. Player stats from Flau’jae Johnson’s scoring surges to MiLaysia Fulwiley’s clutch heroics illustrate the star power driving these powerhouse programs.
Looking ahead, both teams’ consistent SEC dominance, coupled with innovative coaching, promises more thrilling showdowns. As Kim Mulkey and Dawn Staley continue to recruit and develop elite rosters, fans can expect nail-biting finishes, highlight-reel moments, and new records set by emerging standouts. This ongoing rivalry not only elevates the SEC but underscores the growing prominence and excitement of women’s basketball nationwide.
Whether you’re drawn to LSU’s offensive firepower or South Carolina’s balanced approach, these matchups serve as a testament to the high caliber of play and passion fueling the women’s game. As both squads pursue conference and national titles, the LSU-South Carolina rivalry will remain a cornerstone event for years to come.
