In what was deemed the best women’s college basketball game of the year, LSU and South Carolina lived up to the billing with a monumental contest. However, Angel Reese fouling out with 4:42 to go was the difference as LSU fell to the Gamecocks 76-70 inside the PMAC.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
LSU started the game with a 5-2 lead and continued to come up with big shots, but the Tigers had a hard time keeping the Gamecocks out of the scoring column despite playing good defense. At the first media timeout of the game with 4:12 remaining in the opening frame, LSU held a 12-11 lead off of six points from Aneesah Morrow. However, Chloe Kitts was pacing South Carolina with seven.
Over the next frame, LSU went on a 12-2 run before South Carolina scored five straight of their own to make it a 24-18 game after the first quarter. Kim Mulkey’s team played excellent defense in the first quarter, forcing four Gamecock turnovers. LSU also held a 12-8 rebound advantage after the opening frame.
To open the second quarter, LSU outscored South Carolina 10-7 to keep a steady nine-point lead over the Gamecocks at the 4:49 mark of the second quarter. Angel Reese was the leading scorer for the Tigers with 11 points, 7 rebounds, and a trio of assists to this point.
LSU gave some of their starters a rest at the end of the first half and South Carolina took advantage, scoring six straight points to end the first half behind just five points at 41-36. Reese continued to lead all scorers with 11.
South Carolina cut it down to a three-point lead before the Tigers went another run to space it back out to seven. LSU had to endure a lot of breaks that didn’t go their way in the first half of the third quarter, but they held their composure and took what the Gamecocks gave them to hold a 51-46 lead with 3:43 left in the third quarter.
At the end of three quarters, LSU led South Carolina 56-52 behind 48% shooting and a 33-27 advantage on the glass for the Tigers. Angel Reese continued to be the leader for Kim Mulkey’s squad with 15 points on 7-14 shooting.
LSU and South Carolina traded blows to start the fourth quarter as the Tigers hit a big three in the corner from Mikaylah Williams to take a 67-65 lead with 4:24 left in the game.
Shortly after, Angel Reese received her fifth foul and was disqualified from the game. South Carolina took full advantage, outscoring LSU 11-3 to capture a 76-70 win and stay undefeated on the season.
BIG NUMBER: 13,205
In a nationally televised basketball game, the PMAC lived up to the hype with 13,205 screaming fans inside the arena for what turned out to be a legendary basketball game.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Aneesah Morrow
In a losing effort, Morrow was very impressive with 16 points on 7-11 shooting, but she was controlled late in the game as the Gamecocks came away with the win.
UP NEXT: LSU will be on the road as they travel to take on Mississippi State. Tip-off is scheduled for 6pm on Monday night. Pregame will begin at 5:30 on Mustang 107.1