Louisiana’s Baton Rouge Thursday night, South Carolina trailed for about thirty-three minutes, but what was the secret to their unbeaten record?
The three from Bree Bree Hall, specifically.
In front of 13,205 fans, the top-ranked Gamecocks defeated LSU 76-70 thanks to two incredible 3-pointers from the junior guard, including one from the corner with 1:14 remaining that broke a 70-70 tie and gave South Carolina the lead for good. In a game that the reigning national champion Tigers mostly controlled, LSU cruised to as much as an 11-point lead, disregarding the fact that South Carolina, who moved to 18-0, appeared disoriented for the majority of the evening.
Regardless of whether we are up or behind by double digits, we will play for forty minutes and attempt to find ways to get closer “Coach Dawn Staley of South Carolina stated. The game ultimately came down to what it typically does: experience and toughness,” LSU head coach Kim Mulkey stated. “They were just tough; they made the plays to win. The SEC benefited from having those two teams competing.
We will strive to find ways to reduce the deficit during the 40 minutes of play, regardless of whether we are up or behind by double digits “said Dawn Staley, the coach of South Carolina. The game unfolded like it normally does: it’s just experience and tenacity,” LSU head coach Kim Mulkey stated. “It was simply tenacity; they made the plays to win it. Having those two teams compete was fantastic for the SEC.
Chloe Kitts topped all Gamecocks with 14 points, as seven of them scored six points or more. Kamilla Cardoso, a 6-foot-7 senior, needed 11 shots from the field to score 11 points, but she also pulled down eight rebounds to help South Carolina win the rebounding battle 39–37. Given that LSU dominated rebounding for the most of the game, the statistic was particularly unexpected, but Reese’s absence undoubtedly had an impact. Angel touches the ball a lot and participates in their decision-making, so losing her means losing a significant portion of what they do, according to Staley.
Flau’Jae Johnson of LSU concurred with Staley that the Tigers suffered a loss with Reese’s departure. “For us, that was a huge hit. With only four minutes remaining, Angel Reese should go on the court immediately because of her wealth of expertise. At 8:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, and LSU ahead 57-52, Reese was flagged for her fourth foul. With little more than four minutes remaining, she took a little break, came back, and then fouled out again. Although Mulkey recognised that “when you don’t have Angel Reese on the court (it) pulls you out of your rhythm, gets you out of (your) confidence zone,” she didn’t think she brought Reese back into the game too early.
For South Carolina, Raven Johnson was as important, contributing 13 points, snatching nine rebounds, and providing four assists. With 24 seconds remaining, she made it a two-possession game with a layup, and LSU freshman Mikaylah Williams was unable to make a three-pointer to bring the Tigers closer. Staley praised Johnson after he drew Reese’s fifth foul and converted both free throws to tie the game at 67-67. Staley stated, “It was critical to knock Angel out of the game,” and Johnson “went through her choices, then put her head down and made a play” on her game-winning basket. She invests so much in the game, so I’m happy that it was able to give back to her at that particular time.
The two teams’ lone regular-season encounter took place on Thursday; they’ll probably play each other again in the SEC Tournament. I’ve never been about moral triumphs. Mulkey remarked, “We had chances to win this game, and we didn’t.” “I’m sure I won’t get much sleep; I’ll be up and down all night. It will teach us. There are more games than this one.
Final score: No. 9 LSU 70, No. 1 South Carolina 76.
In Baton Rouge, top-ranked South Carolina defeated reigning champion LSU, 76-70, to advance to 18-0 on the year.
With 4:02 remaining, LSU standout Angel Reese was sent to the bench after receiving her fifth foul while trying to thwart a Raven Johnson drive. With 2:54 remaining, Bree Hall made a 3-pointer to give South Carolina a three-point lead after Johnson had made both of his free throws to tie the game. With 1:42 remaining, Hailey Van Lith of LSU tied the score with a 3-pointer of her own, but Hall responded with another three on South Carolina’s ensuing possession to give the Gamecocks a commanding lead. Johnson scored a layup with 24 seconds left to secure the victory, then with 9 seconds left, he made a free throw to provide the winning margin.
With 4:02 remaining, Angel Reese fouls out.
Now, though, this may be a whole new ball game. After committing her fifth foul, Angel Reese decides to sit on the bench after making a poor play to block a layup attempt by Raven Johnson. There are currently two rookies playing for the Tigers. Are they able to hang on?
Score update for LSU vs. South Carolina:
Tigers take the lead again with 4:28 remaining Mikaylah Williams is a freshman; is she aware of this? She doesn’t play like one, for sure. After the team’s exchange baskets, Williams makes a three-pointer in the corner to give LSU a 67-65 advantage. Is there much time left in this game?
Score update for LSU vs. South Carolina:
Gamecocks take the lead for the first time since the start of the match After a brief 6-0 Gamecocks outburst, South Carolina takes the lead for the first time since the game’s opening 2-0 score. LSU has missed a few easy baskets and South Carolina has had an easier time getting into the paint with Angel Reese sitting on the bench. Reese has also returned.
Angel Reese, a standout for LSU, receives a fourth foul
It’s becoming fascinating now. Angel Reese just had her fourth foul with LSU up 57-52. For what length of time is coach Kim Mulkey going to bench her? Reese is a player that enjoys the big moment in addition to being the game’s top scorer with 15 points. Is South Carolina able to capitalise on this?
