A Comprehensive Breakdown of Saturday’s Primetime Showdown
When No. 3 South Carolina (24-2, 10-1 SEC) travels to face No. 6 LSU (22-3, 8-3 SEC) on Saturday, February 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, it will be far more than just another conference game. This clash between two championship-caliber programs carries the weight of history, rivalry, and revenge—all playing out in front of a national primetime audience at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.
Historical Series: South Carolina’s Stranglehold
The all-time series between these programs tells two distinct stories. Overall, the rivalry is remarkably balanced, with LSU holding a narrow 22-21 edge in the historical series. However, the Dawn Staley era has completely rewritten the narrative.
Since Staley took over at South Carolina, the Gamecocks have dominated with an 18-5 record against LSU, including an astonishing 17-game winning streak that dates back over a decade. This streak has become one of the most lopsided stretches in SEC women’s basketball rivalry history.
Kim Mulkey arrived at LSU for the 2021-22 season with a championship pedigree that few coaches can match. Her resume includes national titles at Baylor in 2005, 2012, and 2019 across her 21 seasons with the Bears. She’s proven she can build elite programs and win at the highest level.
Yet despite bringing that championship DNA to Baton Rouge, Mulkey has yet to solve the South Carolina puzzle. The Gamecocks defeated LSU 65-56 in their lone meeting last season on January 24 in Columbia, extending the streak and maintaining their psychological edge over the Tigers.
For LSU, breaking through against South Carolina has become something of a white whale—an achievement that would validate Mulkey’s program-building efforts and signal that the Tigers have truly arrived among the nation’s elite.
Recent Controversies: Bad Blood Between Rivals
The intensity between these programs extends beyond the scoreboard. Recent meetings have been marked by incidents that have deepened the animosity and raised the stakes.
The 2024 SEC Tournament Scuffle
With just two minutes remaining in the 2024 SEC tournament championship game, emotions boiled over. A scuffle broke out at halfcourt between players from both teams, requiring officials and coaching staffs to intervene and separate the players.
While no one was seriously injured and the incident was contained quickly, it underscored the physical and emotional intensity that defines this matchup. The images of players from both sides confronting each other became a defining moment in the rivalry’s recent chapter.
The DJ Incident: “Cut Friends” Controversy
Last year’s meeting in Columbia was marred by an off-court incident that highlighted the sensitivity and personal nature of modern sports rivalries.
During the game, South Carolina’s DJ played “Cut Friends” by Camouflage—a song with particular significance because Camouflage was the late father of LSU star guard Flau’jae Johnson. The decision to play the track was widely viewed as insensitive at best, and intentionally provocative at worst.
The backlash was swift and severe. South Carolina suspended the DJ, who never returned to his position. The university also released a formal apology statement, acknowledging the inappropriate nature of the song selection.
The incident added a layer of personal grievance to an already heated rivalry and likely remains fresh in the minds of Johnson and the LSU program as they prepare to host the Gamecocks.
Style of Play: Contrasting Championship Approaches
Both teams are among the nation’s elite, but they achieve success through distinctly different philosophies.
South Carolina: Defensive Dominance and Versatility
The Gamecocks have built their season on suffocating defense and tactical flexibility. In their historic 93-50 demolition of Tennessee—the worst loss in Lady Vols history—South Carolina deployed zone defense more extensively than at any point in Dawn Staley’s 26-year coaching career.
“We actually wanted to sprinkle in some zone, but because it was going so well, we just stayed with it. I don’t think in my 26-year career that I played more zone than what we played today,” Staley said. “But I’m not stubborn enough to not go with what’s working.”
The Gamecocks’ defensive game plan is methodical and disciplined. Against Tennessee, Staley explained: “Our main focus for Tennessee was to control the paint. We know they’re going to shoot 30-plus threes. 44 today, right? We just didn’t want them to have both paint points and made threes.”
This adaptability—the willingness to adjust schemes on the fly based on what’s working—has become a hallmark of Staley’s championship teams. Opponents now must prepare for multiple defensive looks, including man-to-man, zone, and three-quarter-court pressure.
Offensively, South Carolina emphasizes balanced scoring, ball movement, and getting high-percentage shots. They’re comfortable playing at different tempos and can adapt to whatever style the game demands.
LSU: Athletic Aggression and Star Power
LSU under Mulkey plays with a more aggressive, up-tempo style that leverages their athletes’ speed and physicality. The Tigers pressure opponents defensively, force turnovers, and convert defensive stops into transition opportunities.
Mulkey’s teams are known for their toughness and willingness to engage physically, which has made them particularly dangerous in the SEC. They thrive in chaotic, high-possession games where their athleticism can create advantages.
The Tigers also feature more isolation-heavy offensive sets, allowing their star players to create in one-on-one situations. This creates a fascinating stylistic clash with South Carolina’s team-oriented, defensively-focused approach.
Players to Watch
South Carolina
Ta’Niya Latson (Senior Guard)
Latson recently returned from injury wearing a knee brace and immediately proved she’s still the Gamecocks’ most dangerous offensive weapon. She scored a team-high 21 points in just her first game back against Tennessee, demonstrating that the brace hasn’t diminished her effectiveness.
“I wasn’t too foreign to that,” Latson said about playing in the brace. “Just getting back in shape and getting reps in practice has helped me a lot going into the game.”
Latson’s ability to score from all three levels—driving to the rim, pulling up from mid-range, and hitting threes—makes her nearly impossible to defend one-on-one. If LSU commits too much attention to stopping her, she’s also a capable playmaker who can find open teammates.
Raven Johnson (Point Guard)
Johnson is the calm in the storm for South Carolina, particularly in hostile road environments like the PMAC will be on Saturday. Against Tennessee, she logged 37 minutes and served as the steady hand guiding the Gamecocks through pressure situations.
“She’s the calm amongst the storm that could happen during the game,” Staley said of Johnson.
Johnson’s connection with Latson—they were high school teammates—creates a dynamic backcourt pairing. Their chemistry was on full display against Tennessee, particularly on backdoor cuts and broken-play situations where their instinctive understanding of each other’s tendencies creates easy baskets.
“We played against a lot of these girls in AAU, and played with them in high school,” Latson said. “So we just told each other, like, okay, it’s like, it’s like high school.”
Joyce Edwards (Forward)
Edwards provides South Carolina with interior versatility, capable of defending multiple positions and creating mismatches on the offensive end. Her ability to play both inside and on the perimeter makes her a matchup problem, particularly against teams that struggle to defend the high-low action.
LSU
MiLaysia Fulwiley (Guard) – The X-Factor
Perhaps no player carries more intrigue heading into this game than Fulwiley, the former South Carolina star who transferred to LSU in one of the offseason’s biggest portal moves.
In three meetings against LSU while wearing garnet and black, Fulwiley scored a combined 40 points. She knows South Carolina’s system inside and out, understands their defensive tendencies, and will be highly motivated to prove her transfer was the right decision.
For South Carolina, defending Fulwiley presents unique challenges since she’s intimately familiar with their schemes. For LSU, having someone with insider knowledge of the Gamecocks’ approach could provide strategic advantages.
The emotional component cannot be understated. Fulwiley will be playing against former teammates, coaches, and a program where she experienced significant success. How she handles that emotional complexity could determine LSU’s chances.
Flau’jae Johnson (Guard)
Johnson is LSU’s most dynamic scorer and playmaker. She can take over games with her scoring ability, but she’s also emotionally invested in this rivalry after the “Cut Friends” incident last season.
Johnson’s ability to create her own shot and make plays in transition will test South Carolina’s defensive discipline. If she gets hot early, the PMAC crowd will reach deafening levels, potentially rattling the visitors.
Aneesah Morrow (Forward)
Morrow is one of the nation’s premier rebounders and interior scorers. Her relentless motor and physicality on the glass create second-chance opportunities and wear down opponents over 40 minutes.
Against South Carolina’s size and defensive discipline, Morrow’s offensive rebounding will be crucial. If she can generate putbacks and keep possessions alive, it could be the difference in a close game.
Possible Game Outcomes and Scenarios
Scenario 1: South Carolina Extends the Streak (Most Likely)
Probability: 60%
South Carolina enters as the favorite based on the historical dominance, their current form (including the historic Tennessee win), and their experience in high-pressure road environments.
The Gamecocks’ defensive versatility could frustrate LSU’s offense, particularly if they deploy zone looks that disrupt the Tigers’ spacing and rhythm. South Carolina’s experience in tight games and their championship pedigree gives them an edge in crunch time situations.
A Gamecocks victory by 5-10 points in a defensive slugfest seems most likely, extending their winning streak to 18 games and further solidifying their position atop the SEC standings.
Scenario 2: LSU Finally Breaks Through
Probability: 35%
LSU has several factors working in their favor. The home-court advantage at the PMAC cannot be overstated—the venue will be sold out with over 13,000 screaming fans creating an incredibly hostile environment.
Fulwiley’s insider knowledge of South Carolina’s system could provide crucial advantages, particularly in recognizing defensive rotations and exploiting weaknesses she experienced firsthand in practice.
If LSU can turn the game into a chaotic, high-possession contest with multiple transition opportunities, their athleticism could overwhelm South Carolina. A hot shooting night from Johnson, combined with Morrow dominating the glass, could finally end the Gamecocks’ streak.
An LSU victory would likely be a close, emotional affair decided by 3-5 points in the final minutes, with the PMAC crowd playing a significant role.
Scenario 3: Blowout in Either Direction
Probability: 5%
While less likely, the emotional intensity and stylistic clash could lead to one team imposing its will completely. South Carolina’s recent 43-point demolition of Tennessee shows they’re capable of running inferior competition off the floor, though LSU is far more talented than the Lady Vols showed that day.
Conversely, if everything clicks for LSU—the crowd is rocking, shots are falling, Fulwiley has a revenge game—they could build a commanding lead that South Carolina can’t overcome on the road.
Key Matchup Advantages and Weaknesses
South Carolina’s Advantages
Defensive Versatility: The ability to switch between man, zone, and pressure defenses keeps opponents off-balance and prevents them from finding offensive rhythm.
Championship Experience: Staley’s teams have been in countless high-pressure situations and won a national championship. They know how to handle adversity and close out tight games.
Depth and “Next Woman Up” Mentality: Despite injuries to players like Maddy McDaniel and Agot Makeer, South Carolina has maintained excellence by refusing to make excuses.
“We don’t speak about the injured. We don’t speak about them,” Staley said. “We actually, quite frankly, we consider them dead. We do. It’s not part of the game plan. They’re unhealthy.”
Latson-Johnson Connection: The high school teammates’ chemistry creates opportunities that are difficult to scout or defend, particularly in broken-play situations.
South Carolina’s Weaknesses and Concerns
Injury-Depleted Roster: While the “next woman up” mentality is admirable, the reality is that missing key rotation players reduces depth and margin for error. If foul trouble strikes or someone has an off night, South Carolina has fewer options to turn to.
McDaniel (ankle) is day-to-day, and while Makeer is progressing from her lower leg injury, it’s unclear if either will be available Saturday. Even if they play, they may not be at full strength.
Hostile Road Environment: The PMAC will be as loud and hostile as any environment South Carolina faces all season. Road games in the SEC are always challenging, but this one carries extra emotional weight with Fulwiley’s return.
Three-Point Shooting Variance: While South Carolina can score efficiently, they’ve shown vulnerability when opponents get hot from three-point range. If LSU catches fire from beyond the arc, the Gamecocks’ defense could be stretched thin.
LSU’s Advantages
Home Court: Playing at the PMAC with over 13,000 fans creating a deafening atmosphere provides a tangible advantage, particularly in close games where momentum swings matter.
Fulwiley’s Intel: Having a former South Carolina player who knows their system, tendencies, and weaknesses could provide strategic advantages, particularly in timeout adjustments and recognizing defensive schemes.
Athletic Superiority in Transition: LSU’s athletes can create advantages in open court situations, and if they can turn the game into a track meet, South Carolina may struggle to match their speed.
Desperation Factor: LSU is desperate to end the 17-game losing streak and validate Mulkey’s program-building efforts. That desperation could manifest as extra intensity and focus.
Revenge Motivation: The DJ incident, the tournament scuffle, and years of losses to South Carolina provide endless motivation for LSU players to treat this as a statement game.
LSU’s Weaknesses and Concerns
Mental Block: Seventeen straight losses creates a psychological burden that’s difficult to overcome. Even if LSU executes well, there may be moments where doubt creeps in—”here we go again.”
Mulkey vs. Staley Coaching Matchup: While Mulkey is an elite coach, Staley has owned this matchup for over a decade. South Carolina’s tactical adjustments and in-game coaching have consistently outmaneuvered LSU.
Defensive Discipline vs. Zone: If South Carolina deploys zone defenses as they did against Tennessee, can LSU’s offense execute patiently enough to break them down? Or will they fall into the trap of launching contested threes?
“Yeah, I think that they hit a point where we were just launching them,” Staley said about Tennessee’s zone struggles. “It hit a point where it was just, everyone was just going to shoot it. And that’s not offense.”
Fulwiley’s Emotional State: While her insider knowledge is an advantage, the emotional weight of facing her former team could work both ways. If the moment becomes too big or if things go poorly early, it could affect her performance.
Injury Report and Availability
South Carolina
Maddy McDaniel (Ankle) – Day-to-Day
McDaniel appeared on the injury report just an hour before tipoff against Tennessee and was seen wearing a boot on her left ankle. Her status for Saturday remains uncertain.
“We’ll see what the rest does for her the next two days, and see how she’s feeling on Wednesday,” Staley said immediately after the Tennessee game.
The extended break between games provides extra recovery time. “It’s good we have somewhat of a bye week. Maddy wants to play, I know that, when you have the mindset you want to play, it helps the body heal quicker,” Staley noted.
Agot Makeer (Lower Leg) – Questionable
Makeer hasn’t played since the first quarter against Auburn on January 29 due to an unspecified lower leg injury, but she’s making progress.
“Agot is getting better,” Staley said. “She tried to get out there and do warm-ups yesterday. She started to do some things, some drills in practice. Haven’t really gotten an entire practice down . . . hopefully by Saturday we can get her back. If not, we’ll just keep on, keeping on.”
Having Makeer or McDaniel available would provide crucial depth, particularly if the game becomes physical or foul trouble emerges.
Chloe Kitts (ACL) – Out for Season
Kitts tore her ACL in September before the season started and remains unavailable.
LSU
LSU enters the game relatively healthy with no significant injury concerns reported, giving them a potential advantage in depth and rotation flexibility.
The Verdict
This game represents a potential inflection point in the rivalry. For South Carolina, extending the winning streak to 18 games would further cement their dominance and send a message to the rest of the SEC that they remain the team to beat despite injuries.
For LSU, ending the streak would validate Mulkey’s program-building efforts, provide crucial momentum heading into the final stretch of conference play, and potentially shift the balance of power in the SEC.
The historical weight, the Fulwiley storyline, the recent controversies, and the championship implications all converge on Saturday night in Baton Rouge. With ESPN’s College GameDay on-site and a national primetime ABC audience watching, the stage is set for one of the season’s most compelling matchups.
Prediction: South Carolina 72, LSU 68
The Gamecocks’ championship experience and defensive versatility prove decisive in a hostile environment, but LSU’s desperation and home-court advantage keep it competitive until the final possessions. Latson delivers in crunch time, and South Carolina’s streak reaches 18 games—but Mulkey and the Tigers serve notice that the gap is closing.
Regardless of the outcome, Saturday night’s showdown promises to be appointment television and could very well determine not just SEC supremacy, but plant the seeds for a potential postseason rematch when the stakes are even higher.
