South Carolina Edges LSU in Tight SEC Matchup

Free throw shooting proves crucial as No. 3 Gamecocks defeat No. 6 Tigers

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a battle between two of the top women's basketball teams in the SEC, the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the No. 6 LSU Tigers 79-72 on February 14th. The game came down to free throw shooting, as LSU struggled from the line, going 14-of-23, while South Carolina was 15-of-17. LSU star Flau'Jae Johnson missed two key free throws in the final minute that could have given the Tigers the lead. South Carolina also shot the ball well from 3-point range, led by Raven and Tessa Johnson who combined for seven 3-pointers.

Why it matters

This game was a crucial SEC matchup between two top-10 teams with national championship aspirations. The outcome could have major implications for seeding in the NCAA Tournament. LSU's struggles from the free throw line proved to be the difference, highlighting the importance of converting at the charity stripe in close games.

The details

LSU was 14-of-23 from the free throw line, while South Carolina was 15-of-17. In the fourth quarter, LSU star Flau'Jae Johnson hit a jumper to make it a one-point game with 1:16 left, but then she missed two free throws with 45.2 seconds left. South Carolina was 47% from the 3-point line, led by Raven and Tessa Johnson who combined for seven 3-pointers. LSU had 18 total offensive rebounds, 12 of which came in the fourth quarter, but was only able to convert those into 5 points in the final period.

  • The game was played on February 14, 2026.
  • Flau'Jae Johnson missed two free throws with 45.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

The players

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU Tigers women's basketball team.

Flau'Jae Johnson

A star player for the LSU Tigers who missed two crucial free throws late in the game.

Raven Johnson

A player for the South Carolina Gamecocks who hit two free throws in the final 16 seconds to help seal the victory.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

An LSU junior guard who played her first two seasons at South Carolina and was facing her former team for the first time.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not real sure, if I knew that I'd be in psychology. Got to the free throw line, so reward yourself.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach (greenvilleonline.com)

“It was two of the best teams in our conference, in the country just trying to get a win. I thought LSU got multiple offensive rebounds at the end of the game to put them in a position to close a gap, to go ahead and then at the end, we got lucky, Flau'jae doesn't miss free throws, we actually got a bucket after that and it's those kind of plays that are determining the game.”

— Dawn Staley, South Carolina Head Coach (greenvilleonline.com)

“Now you will focus on those two free throws, we missed nine, (that's) the difference in the ball game. Make your free throws. You win.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach (greenvilleonline.com)

What’s next

The two teams could potentially meet again in the SEC Tournament or NCAA Tournament, setting up a highly anticipated rematch.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the importance of free throw shooting in close, high-stakes matchups between elite women's basketball programs. LSU's struggles from the line proved to be the difference, while South Carolina's clutch free throw shooting down the stretch helped secure the victory.