South Carolina extended its winning streak against LSU to 18 games with a 79-72 victory on Saturday, a game that combined competitive heat with personal subplots. The matchup featured former teammates MiLaysia Fulwiley facing her old roster and produced few overt confrontations, though competitive edge was evident. The Gamecocks leaned on their starters while a thin bench supplied key defensive moments late. Free-throw accuracy and a handful of late-game miscues ultimately shaped the outcome.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina defeated LSU 79-72 on Saturday, stretching its win streak over LSU to 18 games.
- MiLaysia Fulwiley, a former South Carolina player now at LSU, finished with six points (1-8 FG), four rebounds, three assists, four steals and three turnovers in 24 minutes.
- South Carolina scored only nine bench points, but freshmen contributions included a fourth-quarter block by Maryam Dauda and a timely floater by Ayla McDowell.
- Agot Makeer returned after missing three games and provided a late three-pointer, a layup and two blocks in the fourth quarter.
- South Carolina made 15 of 17 free throws (including 8-for-8 in the fourth); over the last six games the team is 94-for-108 (87.0%) from the line.
- LSU shot 14-for-23 at the line for the game and went 3-for-8 in the fourth quarter; Kim Mulkey cited free-throw shooting as decisive.
- South Carolina leaned heavily on starters for scoring and defense, while the bench supplied energy and situational plays down the stretch.
Background
South Carolina entered the contest as the dominant program in recent matchups with LSU, carrying an 18-game winning streak into Saturday’s meeting. The rivalry has featured shifting rosters, coaching matchups and frequent national relevance as both programs recruit at high levels and compete in high-major conferences. This game added a personal storyline: MiLaysia Fulwiley, who previously played for South Carolina, was listed on LSU’s game program, a detail that sparked attention before tip-off.
Historically, South Carolina under head coach Dawn Staley has prioritized defense, rotation depth and late-game execution to sustain long streaks against conference and nonconference foes. LSU, coached by Kim Mulkey, has emphasized physical play and pressure defense since her arrival, producing games where free-throw performance and turnover margins often decide outcomes. Both staffs value end-of-game execution, which made this matchup a test of composure and bench readiness.
Main Event
The game unfolded as a competitive contest where South Carolina’s starters carried the scoring load while the bench offered selective but meaningful contributions. Fulwiley defended aggressively, producing multiple steals and disrupting passing lanes, but she struggled to find consistent offense, going 1-for-8 from the field and committing three turnovers. Those turnovers blunted some of the momentum her defense generated and limited LSU’s late surge opportunities.
South Carolina’s bench scored just nine points overall, yet specific plays proved pivotal. Maryam Dauda blocked a Jada Richard shot in the fourth quarter and secured a rebound on the same possession, preserving a South Carolina advantage. Ayla McDowell’s floater at the end of the third pushed the lead to five and helped set the stage for the final period.
Agot Makeer, returning after a three-game absence, delivered a late three-pointer and a layup during an LSU push, and she added two fourth-quarter blocks while defending aggressively. Alicia Tournebize logged three minutes and converted a jumper, a small but useful contribution in a tight contest. These intermittent bench sparks helped sustain South Carolina when starters needed a rest or defensive energy spiked.
Free throws became a focal point in the closing minutes. South Carolina made 15 of 17 attempts, including a perfect 8-for-8 in the fourth quarter. Flau’jae Johnson missed two free throws with 45 seconds left while LSU trailed by one, a sequence that drew attention given the game’s margin. Kim Mulkey pointed to misses at the line as the decisive factor for LSU.
Analysis & Implications
The outcome reinforces South Carolina’s ability to win close games against quality opponents, sustained by reliable free-throw shooting and timely defensive plays. Converting 15 of 17 attempts from the line is consistent with the team’s recent form—87.0% over the last six games—and it offsets the limited bench scoring. Teams that can pair late-game free-throw efficiency with even modest bench defensive contributions will be favored in tight finishes.
For LSU, the game highlights two areas of concern: offensive efficiency from key perimeter players and late-game free-throw shooting. The Tigers’ 14-for-23 performance at the line (60.9%) and 3-for-8 fourth-quarter free-throw showing were liabilities in a seven-point loss. If LSU hopes to narrow the gap with top programs, improving end-of-game free-throw conversion and limiting avoidable turnovers must be priorities.
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s mixed impact—active defense but inconsistent offense—illustrates how role transitions can take time. Her defensive instincts produced four steals, while offensive rhythm suffered (1-8 FG, three turnovers). For Fulwiley and LSU, the key adjustment will be balancing defensive aggression with cleaner offensive decision-making to convert opportunities into points rather than turnovers.
Strategically, South Carolina’s reliance on starters shows both trust in veteran minutes and risk: extended starter minutes can fatigue a rotation over a long season. The bench flashes from freshmen and a returning Agot Makeer, however, provide a template for distributing minutes in tournament settings where depth matters. The Gamecocks’ ability to draw dependable free throws and close possessions will be tested in higher-stakes matchups going forward.
Comparison & Data
| Situation | Made | Attempt | Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina last 6 games | 94 | 108 | 87.0% |
| South Carolina vs LSU (Saturday) | 15 | 17 | 88.2% |
| LSU vs South Carolina (Saturday) | 14 | 23 | 60.9% |
| LSU 4th quarter | 3 | 8 | 37.5% |
The table highlights how free-throw performance separated the teams: South Carolina was efficient from the line both in the recent sample and in this game, while LSU’s late-period struggles at the stripe contributed to its inability to complete a comeback. Beyond free throws, South Carolina’s turnover margin and defensive plays (notably blocks and steals from bench and starters) helped preserve the lead. The data suggest South Carolina’s recent free-throw form is not an anomaly and can be relied upon in close games, whereas LSU must address late-game foul shooting to improve outcomes.
Reactions & Quotes
Coach Kim Mulkey framed Fulwiley’s performance as a mix of strong plays and costly mistakes, encapsulating the player’s two-way impact and areas for cleaner execution.
I thought she did typical Fulwiley — give you some outstanding plays: stripped Raven early in the game, got some layups. Then she turned it over. That’s part of who she is. We’ve got to continue to make positives be pluses when she’s in the game and not minuses.
Kim Mulkey, LSU head coach
Mulkey later pointed to free-throw shooting as a decisive factor in the result, framing the loss around execution at the line.
We were 14-23 from the free throw line, and that’s where the game was lost. Hit your free throws, you win.
Kim Mulkey, LSU head coach
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley praised bench contributors who shifted momentum late and validated giving returning players meaningful minutes.
Huge. Maryam gave us a lift. Ayla’s always going to give you what she’s got. I’m happy for Agot getting out there because I know she’s been hurting. It was good to get her some minutes and understand that we’re going to need her down the stretch. Big three. Big three by Agot.
Dawn Staley, South Carolina head coach
Unconfirmed
- The intent behind LSU placing MiLaysia Fulwiley on its game program as a deliberately petty gesture is unverified and represents interpretation rather than confirmed motive.
- Whether Fulwiley’s late offensive miscues were due to fatigue, game plan adjustments, or matchup issues has not been independently confirmed.
- Attribution of team-wide free-throw misses to a specific cause (pressure, mechanics, fatigue) has not been established beyond coach statements.
Bottom Line
South Carolina’s 79-72 victory over LSU reinforced the Gamecocks’ edge in head-to-head meetings and highlighted the practical value of reliable free-throw shooting in close contests. The starters carried the offensive load, but timely defensive plays and late-game bench moments preserved the margin. For LSU, the game exposed persistent vulnerabilities at the free-throw line and the cost of turnovers in tight finishes.
Looking ahead, South Carolina will aim to maintain offensive balance while continuing to integrate bench contributors for depth in the postseason stretch. LSU must refine late-game execution—particularly from the line—and reduce avoidable turnovers if it hopes to close the gap on top-tier opponents.