South Carolina and LSU may have already delivered one of the most electric games of the SEC season — but the bigger chapter of this rivalry could still be ahead.
When the defeated the 79-72 on Feb. 14 in Baton Rouge, it wasn’t just another conference win. It was a statement. Played on a Saturday night on ABC, the matchup had the intensity of March, and South Carolina extended its dominance in the series with its 18th straight win over LSU.
Now, with the SEC Tournament looming March 4–8 in Greenville, South Carolina, the possibility of a rematch adds even more intrigue to an already loaded postseason picture.
Gamecocks Lock In Control
South Carolina (27-2, 13-1 SEC) has officially clinched the No. 1 seed for the SEC Tournament and secured at least a share of its fifth straight SEC regular-season title. That positioning is more than symbolic — it gives the Gamecocks a strategic advantage with extra rest and a clearer path to the semifinals.
The No. 3-ranked Gamecocks can secure the SEC title outright with a win over Missouri (16-13, 4-10) on Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. ET (SEC Network). They close the regular season on the road at No. 18 Kentucky (20-8, 7-7) on March 1.
From an analytical standpoint, South Carolina has proven it can win in multiple ways — grind-it-out defensive battles, high-level offensive execution, and clutch moments late. That versatility is exactly why they remain the team to beat in Greenville.
LSU Still Fighting for Position
LSU (24-4, 10-4) currently sits as the No. 4 seed but remains one of the most volatile teams in the standings. With two games remaining — hosting Tennessee (16-10, 8-6) on Feb. 26 and traveling to Mississippi State (18-10, 5-9) on March 1 — the Tigers could finish as high as No. 2 or slide as low as No. 7.
That range matters.
If LSU holds the No. 4 seed and both teams win their quarterfinal games, South Carolina and LSU would collide again in the semifinals at 4:30 p.m. ET on March 7.
And this time, the stakes would be even higher — a direct path to the SEC Championship Game.
What a Rematch Would Mean
The Feb. 14 matchup showed LSU can compete physically and offensively with South Carolina. But it also reinforced the Gamecocks’ composure in tight situations. Winning 18 straight in a rivalry isn’t accidental — it reflects sustained defensive discipline, depth, and late-game execution.
A semifinal showdown would test whether LSU has closed the gap or whether South Carolina’s consistency continues to define the rivalry.
Current SEC Landscape (as of Feb. 25)
- South Carolina (13-1)
- Vanderbilt (11-3)
- Texas (11-3)
- LSU (10-4)
- Oklahoma (9-5)
- Ole Miss (8-6)
- Tennessee (8-6)
- Alabama (7-7)
- Georgia (7-7)
- Kentucky (7-7)
- Mississippi State (5-9)
- Texas A&M (5-9)
- Florida (4-10)
- Missouri (4-10)
- Auburn (3-11)
- Arkansas (0-14)
The bracket structure heavily favors the top four seeds, meaning South Carolina and LSU are positioned on a collision course — if they handle business.
Bigger Picture
For South Carolina, the focus is clear: finish the regular season strong, secure the title outright, and use Greenville as a launchpad toward a deep NCAA Tournament run.
For LSU, the path is more complicated. Seeding will dictate difficulty. Momentum will dictate belief.
But if both teams survive to Saturday, March 7, the SEC Tournament could deliver its most anticipated game before the championship even tips off.
The first round was thrilling.
The rematch? It could define the conference.
