South Carolina defeats LSU 83-77 in SEC Tournament semifinals

Raven Johnson scores career-high 22 points to lead No. 3 Gamecocks past No. 6 Tigers

Mar. 7, 2026 at 11:57pm

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Raven Johnson scored a career-high 22 points, Joyce Edwards scored 15 of her 18 points in the second half, and No. 3 South Carolina held on to beat sixth-ranked LSU 83-77 in the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals. Ta'Niya Latson added 19 points for the Gamecocks, who are seeking their fourth straight SEC Tournament title and 10th in the past 12 seasons under coach Dawn Staley. South Carolina transfer MiLaysia Fulwiley had 24 points for LSU, which lost to the Gamecocks for the second time this season.

Why it matters

This matchup between two of the top teams in the SEC featured a clash of styles, with South Carolina's stifling defense facing off against LSU's high-powered offense. The win keeps South Carolina on track for another conference tournament championship, while LSU will now await its NCAA Tournament seeding.

The details

South Carolina opened the third quarter on a 10-2 run to regain the lead after trailing 40-36 at halftime. LSU fought back to tie the game at 67-67 with 7 minutes remaining, but Edwards took over down the stretch, scoring 6 points during an 8-3 run that gave the Gamecocks a lead they would not relinquish.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Raven Johnson

A South Carolina player who scored a career-high 22 points in the game.

Joyce Edwards

A South Carolina player who scored 15 of her 18 points in the second half.

Ta'Niya Latson

A South Carolina player who scored 19 points.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

A South Carolina transfer who scored 24 points for LSU.

Jada Richard

An LSU player who scored 17 points.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

South Carolina will play for the SEC Tournament championship on Sunday against the winner of No. 4 Texas and No. 24 Mississippi. LSU will await its NCAA Tournament seeding.

The takeaway

This game showcased the depth and talent of the South Carolina women's basketball program, as they were able to withstand a strong challenge from a talented LSU team to advance to the SEC Tournament final. The Gamecocks' defensive intensity and ability to make key plays down the stretch proved to be the difference.