Gamecocks Defeat LSU, Advance to SEC Championship

Raven Johnson's career-high 22 points lead No. 3 South Carolina to 83-77 victory over No. 6 LSU

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the No. 6 LSU Tigers 83-77 in the SEC Tournament semifinals, extending their winning streak against LSU to 19 games. Raven Johnson led the Gamecocks with a career-high 22 points, adding 8 assists and only 1 turnover. South Carolina will now face No. 4 Texas in the SEC Championship game on March 8.

Why it matters

South Carolina's victory over LSU sets up a highly anticipated championship matchup between two of the nation's top women's basketball teams. The Gamecocks are seeking their fourth consecutive SEC Tournament title and 10th in the last 12 seasons, further cementing their dominance in the conference.

The details

Raven Johnson's career-high 22-point performance was the driving force behind South Carolina's win. She showcased her all-around game, adding 8 assists and only 1 turnover. Joyce Edwards contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season, while Ta'Niya Latson added 19 points. LSU, led by former South Carolina transfer MiLaysia Fulwiley's 24 points, put up a strong fight, but South Carolina's balanced offensive attack and late-game composure proved too much for the Tigers.

  • The SEC Tournament semifinal game was played on March 7, 2026.
  • The SEC Championship game will be played on March 8, 2026.

The players

Raven Johnson

A key player for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Raven Johnson had a career-high 22-point performance in the SEC Tournament semifinal game against LSU.

Joyce Edwards

A standout player for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Joyce Edwards contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

A former South Carolina transfer, MiLaysia Fulwiley led the LSU Tigers with 24 points in the semifinal game against her former team.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Dawn Staley has led the team to nine SEC Tournament championships in the last 12 seasons.

Texas

The No. 4 ranked Texas Longhorns will face the South Carolina Gamecocks in the SEC Championship game on March 8, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thinking about winning. Whatever it takes to win.”

— Raven Johnson (University of South Carolina Athletics)

What’s next

The SEC Championship game between South Carolina and Texas will be played on March 8, 2026.

The takeaway

Raven Johnson's versatile performance, coupled with South Carolina's balanced offensive attack and depth, have propelled the Gamecocks to the SEC Championship game. This matchup between two of the nation's top teams promises to be an exciting and high-stakes showdown.