South Carolina Women's Basketball Stars Dominate LSU Again

Raven Johnson and Tessa Johnson lead Gamecocks to victory over Tigers for third straight year

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team continued their dominance over LSU, led by standout performances from sisters Raven Johnson and Tessa Johnson. Tessa scored 21 points, including several key 3-pointers to erase LSU's lead, while Raven had a career-high 19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals to seal the victory for the Gamecocks.

Why it matters

The Johnson sisters have established themselves as consistent stars for the Gamecocks, delivering clutch performances against top opponents like LSU year after year. Their ability to take over games and lead South Carolina to wins highlights the program's sustained excellence under head coach Dawn Staley.

The details

Tessa Johnson scored 16 of her 21 points in the first half, keeping the Gamecocks in the game as LSU built an early lead. When the Tigers had their biggest advantage, Tessa hit back-to-back 3-pointers to erase it. In the second half, Raven Johnson took over, scoring 6 of the Gamecocks' final 8 points to ice the victory. Raven finished with a career-high 19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals.

  • The Gamecocks defeated LSU on Sunday, February 18, 2026.
  • This was the third straight year the Johnson sisters led South Carolina to victory over LSU.

The players

Raven Johnson

A senior guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, known for her all-around game and clutch performances against top opponents.

Tessa Johnson

The younger sister of Raven Johnson, a junior guard who has emerged as one of the Gamecocks' top scorers and 3-point threats.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, who has built the program into a national powerhouse.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU Tigers women's basketball team, who was frustrated by her team's inability to stop the Johnson sisters.

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What they’re saying

“I liked everything we did, except I didn't like the way we guarded Tessa. We didn't do what we were told to do for three days.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach (on3.com)

“She was our offense, to be quite honest. We did a really good job with force-feeding her the ball because she was hot. Tessa did a great job getting herself open and square to the basket. It's not on her fingers long before she's launching it, and I'm very fortunate that she was very efficient.”

— Dawn Staley, South Carolina Head Coach (on3.com)

“When it was down to that last possession, Raven was going to play make for herself or for her teammates.”

— Dawn Staley, South Carolina Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Gamecocks will look to continue their dominance over LSU when the teams meet again later in the season.

The takeaway

The Johnson sisters have established themselves as two of the top players in the country, leading South Carolina to consistent success against elite opponents like LSU. Their ability to take over games and make clutch plays highlights the Gamecocks' status as a national powerhouse under Coach Staley.