SEC Tournament Semifinal Showdown: South Carolina and LSU Renew One of Women’s Basketball’s Hottest Rivalries
GREENVILLE — The stage is set for another high-profile chapter in one of women’s college basketball’s most compelling rivalries. No. 1 seed and No. 4 seed will meet again, this time in the semifinals of the on March 7 at (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
The matchup features two powerhouse programs led by championship-winning coaches — and — whose teams have consistently delivered must-watch basketball.
A Rivalry That Keeps Delivering
The two programs already met once this season in a nationally televised primetime clash on Feb. 14 in Baton Rouge. South Carolina emerged with a 79–72 victory, extending its winning streak over LSU to 18 games.
That game was far closer than the final score suggested. Neither team built a comfortable margin — the Gamecocks’ largest lead was eight points, while the Tigers led by as many as six. The contest remained tight until the closing seconds, when South Carolina sealed the win with a decisive 6–0 run in the final 25 seconds. LSU’s missed opportunities at the free-throw line — five misses in the fourth quarter — ultimately proved costly.
Mulkey acknowledged the intensity and respect that defines the matchup.
“I don’t know that I can expect anything, that I can just say, ‘Oh, I expect this.’ I expect two teams that respect each other, that are good for the SEC, good for women’s basketball, and they’re competitors,” Mulkey said.
Her words reflect the nature of the rivalry: elite teams that know each other well and rarely give an inch.
Staley’s Edge in the Coaching Duel
The coaching battle has become a storyline of its own. Before arriving at LSU, Mulkey spent 21 seasons at Baylor, where she built one of the sport’s most successful programs.
She managed two wins against South Carolina during that tenure. However, since taking over LSU, she has yet to defeat Staley with the Tigers.
Staley currently holds a 7–2 record over Mulkey entering the semifinal, with the last six victories going to the Gamecocks. One of those wins came in the 2024 SEC Tournament championship.
Mulkey still expects another competitive matchup.
“It should be a game that a lot of women’s basketball fans should watch because you’re looking at great talent on the floor,” Mulkey said.
“You’re looking at two coaches that — well, I’m old. Dawn’s not quite as old as I am, but they’ve done a lot in the game. It will be good for the game. It will be good TV, and I don’t anticipate anything but it being a good game.”
The comment highlights the broader significance of the matchup — it’s not just a tournament game, but a showcase for two of the sport’s most accomplished coaches.
Star Power and Storylines
Adding another layer to the rematch is the presence of dynamic guard .
Fulwiley spent two seasons playing for Staley at South Carolina before transferring to LSU, giving the Tigers a player intimately familiar with the Gamecocks’ system and culture.
She scored six points in the first meeting but enters the semifinal in strong form after posting 22 points and eight assists in LSU’s quarterfinal win over .
Her playmaking ability could be a key factor if LSU hopes to reverse the recent trend in the rivalry.
A National Spotlight
The first meeting between the teams earlier this season wasn’t just another regular-season game — it made history.
The matchup became the first women’s college basketball game to air on ABC on a Saturday night primetime slot. The network specifically selected the contest, knowing the programs’ history and star power would draw a national audience.
The result validated that decision. The broadcast averaged 1.7 million viewers and peaked at 2.2 million — making it the most-watched women’s college basketball game across all networks this season.
Previously, South Carolina’s Feb. 8 matchup with held the season-high mark, peaking at 1.5 million viewers.
Championship Pedigree on Both Sidelines
Few coaching matchups in college basketball carry the championship credentials of Staley and Mulkey.
Mulkey captured the 2023 national championship in just her second season at LSU — her fourth overall after three titles at Baylor (2005, 2012, 2019).
Staley, meanwhile, has built South Carolina into a modern dynasty. She won her first national title in 2017 and added championships in 2022 and 2024.
Interestingly, Mulkey’s 2023 title sits directly between Staley’s two most recent championships, illustrating how the programs have taken turns shaping the sport’s championship landscape.
Despite the stakes of the SEC Tournament, Mulkey emphasized the bigger picture that lies ahead in March.
“When you toss it up, you’re trying to win,” Mulkey said. “Someone’s going to win. Someone’s going to lose. But think of what’s ahead. It doesn’t matter what happens in this tournament, it’s what all of us are trying to do, and that is get to a Final Four and win a natty.”
Analysis: Why This Rematch Matters
This semifinal represents more than just a step toward the SEC Tournament title.
For South Carolina, it’s an opportunity to reinforce its dominance over a rising LSU program while strengthening its case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
For LSU, the game offers a chance to finally break through against Staley’s squad and prove it can beat the nation’s elite on a championship stage.
Tactically, the matchup will likely hinge on three factors:
- Late-game execution: The first meeting was decided in the final seconds. LSU’s free-throw struggles were decisive.
- Backcourt playmaking: Fulwiley’s ability to create offense could tilt momentum if she replicates her recent performance.
- Defensive discipline: South Carolina’s defensive structure has historically disrupted LSU’s rhythm.
With elite talent, national stakes, and two Hall-of-Fame-caliber coaches on the sidelines, the semifinal promises another intense chapter in a rivalry that continues to elevate the visibility and excitement of women’s college basketball.
And as Mulkey noted, it’s exactly the type of game the sport needs — one that fans across the country won’t want to miss.
