SEC Tournament Semifinal Set: South Carolina and LSU Power Past Quarterfinals to Set Up Highly Anticipated Rematch
The stage is officially set at the 2026 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament as top-seeded South Carolina and fourth-seeded LSU both delivered commanding victories in the quarterfinal round, setting up a high-stakes semifinal rematch between two of the conference’s most powerful programs.
The matchup comes after dominant performances by both teams on Friday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, where each program advanced with convincing wins and now turns its attention to a clash that could shape the rest of the tournament.
South Carolina Opens Tournament With Dominant Statement
South Carolina wasted no time asserting itself as the tournament favorite, rolling past Kentucky with an 87–64 victory in the quarterfinals.
The Gamecocks controlled the game from the opening minutes and built a 17-point halftime lead, showcasing the depth and defensive intensity that have defined their season. South Carolina shot 53 percent from the field, forced 19 turnovers, and dominated the paint with a 46–24 scoring advantage inside.
Freshman standout Joyce Edwards led the scoring effort with 21 points, while Madina Okot delivered a strong double-double performance with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Gamecocks also received key contributions from Tessa Johnson (15 points) and Ta’Niya Latson (12 points) as their balanced offense overwhelmed Kentucky.
Kentucky entered the matchup riding momentum after consecutive tournament wins over Arkansas and Georgia, but playing its third game in three days proved challenging against the fresh and rested top seed.
With the victory, South Carolina improved to 30–2 on the season and took the first step in its pursuit of a fourth consecutive SEC Tournament championship under head coach Dawn Staley.
LSU Explodes Offensively to Advance
While South Carolina dominated with defense and efficiency, LSU reached the semifinals through sheer offensive firepower.
The Tigers delivered one of the most explosive performances of the tournament, defeating Oklahoma 112–78 in their quarterfinal matchup. The high-scoring effort highlighted LSU’s aggressive offensive style and ability to overwhelm opponents with pace and scoring depth.
The victory secured LSU’s place in the semifinals and set up a highly anticipated meeting with South Carolina. The Tigers entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed, receiving a double-bye into the quarterfinal round after a strong regular season.
LSU’s offensive explosion serves as a warning to the rest of the conference: the Tigers are capable of putting up massive scoring numbers when their rhythm is established.
A Semifinal Collision Course
Semifinal Collision: South Carolina vs LSU
With both teams advancing, the tournament now delivers a marquee semifinal showdown.
Matchup: South Carolina vs LSU
Round: SEC Tournament Semifinal
Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, South Carolina �
Wikipedia
This semifinal is also a rematch of a regular-season meeting earlier this year when South Carolina defeated LSU 79–72, extending the Gamecocks’ winning streak over the Tigers to 18 consecutive games.
Despite that streak, LSU enters the matchup with renewed confidence after its offensive showcase in the quarterfinals.
What Makes This Rematch So Intriguing
This semifinal carries significant intrigue for several reasons:
- Clash of Styles
South Carolina thrives on physical defense, rebounding dominance, and depth, while LSU relies on fast-paced scoring and perimeter shooting. - Momentum on Both Sides
Both teams enter the matchup riding dominant wins — South Carolina controlling Kentucky and LSU delivering a historic offensive performance. - Championship Stakes
The winner will advance to the SEC Tournament Championship Game on Sunday, just one step away from the conference title.
What’s at Stake
For South Carolina, the goal is clear: defend its SEC Tournament crown and continue building momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks have dominated the conference for the past decade, winning nine SEC Tournament titles since 2015 and establishing themselves as the league’s benchmark program.
For LSU, the semifinal represents a chance to break through against the conference’s powerhouse and make a statement before March Madness begins.
With South Carolina’s elite defense and depth facing LSU’s explosive scoring attack, the semifinal promises to be one of the most compelling games of the tournament.
