South Carolina Gamecocks Rally Late for Tight Win over LSU in ‘Game of Runs’
In a thrilling matchup between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the LSU Tigers, the Gamecocks pulled off a late rally to secure a tight victory. The game, which took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had all the makings of a classic showdown. With a raucous crowd of 13,205 fans donning white T-shirts, animal print, and sequins, the atmosphere was electric.
The defending national champion Tigers were hoping to hand the nation’s No. 1 team its first loss of the season. However, South Carolina, known for their resilience and ability to come back from behind, did not disappoint. Despite facing a new-look team after losing key players to graduation in the offseason, the Gamecocks showed their mettle once again.
The turning point came when LSU’s Angel Reese fouled out with just over four minutes left in the game. Capitalizing on her absence, the Gamecocks went on an 11-3 run to close out the game with a 76-70 victory. This win extended their undefeated season start and showcased their ability to perform under pressure.
South Carolina’s ability to come back from double-digit deficits has become a trademark of their team. They have now won 10 straight games when falling behind by double figures, the longest active streak in Division I. This resilience dates back to November 2021 and is a testament to their never-give-up attitude.
Head coach Dawn Staley acknowledged that it was a game of runs, with both teams making big plays throughout the game. However, it was the team that made the last play that ultimately emerged victorious. Staley’s Gamecocks have now won 28 straight road games, the longest such streak in SEC history and tied for the sixth longest in Division I.
Despite the disappointment for LSU fans, the game provided an unforgettable experience. With the presence of ESPN’s “College GameDay” and the back-and-forth nature of the contest, it had all the elements that make women’s basketball exciting. Coach Staley described it as an environment that every player should experience.
In the first half, LSU dominated, jumping ahead by as many as 11 points. However, the Gamecocks managed to stay within striking distance, outscoring the Tigers in both the second and third periods. It was in the fourth quarter that South Carolina made their final push, taking advantage of Angel Reese’s absence.
Reese, who is known for her talent and aggression on the court, fouled out with just a few minutes left in the game. Her absence was keenly felt by LSU, as she had been instrumental in their success throughout the game. Coach Staley acknowledged Reese’s impact, stating that losing her was a big blow for LSU.
The Gamecocks outscored the Tigers 24-13 in the fourth quarter alone, showcasing their experience and composure in crunch time. South Carolina’s guards, Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Raven Johnson, stepped up in the final minutes, contributing 20 of the team’s 24 points in the fourth quarter. Hall’s clutch 3-pointers and Johnson’s late layup sealed the victory for the Gamecocks.
South Carolina’s prowess from beyond the arc played a crucial role in their comeback. As the nation’s top 3-point shooting team, they went 3-for-4 on 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, compared to just 4-for-16 in the rest of the game. Coach Staley emphasized that their ability to hit shots from deep gave them a chance to win in a challenging environment.
Chloe Kitts led South Carolina in scoring with 14 points, providing a spark for the team early on with 10 first-half points. On the other side, Aneesah Morrow led the Tigers with 16 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her skills on both ends of the court.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey acknowledged that a few mistakes made by her team throughout the game ultimately made the difference in the close result. She pointed to a 3-pointer by the Gamecocks before the first-quarter buzzer and a 6-0 run by South Carolina in the final 30 seconds of the first half that cut LSU’s lead from 11 to five.
Despite the loss, LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson expressed confidence in her team, stating that they were almost there. Coach Mulkey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that her team is still evolving and will learn from this experience. She believes that they are one of the top teams in the country and that this loss sends a message that they are not going away.
In conclusion, the South Carolina Gamecocks’ late rally against the LSU Tigers showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Despite trailing for most of the game, they capitalized on key moments and came away
