No. 1 South Carolina survived an intense battle in opposition to No. 9 LSU on Thursday, gathering a 76-70 comeback win to stay the nation’s lone undefeated crew. The Gamecocks began the sport a bit shaky, falling behind by 5 to mark their largest halftime deficit of the season, however as soon as once more confirmed they’re a tricky second-half crew en path to a twenty eighth straight highway victory.
It was a nail-biting end as the sport was tied 70-70 with 1:37 remaining. South Carolina’s Bree Corridor hit a 3-pointer to offer the Gamecocks the lead with 1:14 to go, then Raven Johnson transformed a layup with 24 seconds left to seal the deal. Corridor was large for the Gamecocks down the stretch, as she additionally drained a 3-pointer with 2:54 remaining to carry her crew’s result in 70-67.
LSU fed off the power in Pete Maravich Meeting Middle as they competed in entrance of an electrical sold-out crowd. The Tigers took management straight away and even noticed a 9-0 run in the course of the primary quarter. They continued pushing and completed the primary half with a 41-36 benefit, the biggest halftime deficit South Carolina had seen all season.
The Gamecocks’ high two scorers, Kamilla Cardoso and Te-Hina Paopao, mixed for simply six factors over the primary two quarters. South Carolina as a complete struggled to maneuver the ball and seize offensive rebounds earlier than the break.
No matter speech Daybreak Staley gave her crew at halftime actually labored, nevertheless. Her crew returned to the court docket with much more power and focus within the second half. The Gamecocks saved pushing and finally discovered a 63-61 lead with 5:58 remaining within the fourth quarter. Former Gamecock Aliyah Boston, now a WNBA star, was within the crowd and stood as much as have fun.
However LSU wasn’t able to fold, and the groups continued to commerce the lead. Sadly for Kim Mulkey’s squad, Angel Reese suffered a cramp as LSU held a 67-64 benefit. Reese was capable of return to the court docket, however her struggles continued as she fouled out with 4:02 remaining. South Carolina outscored the Tigers 11-3 the remainder of the way in which.
South Carolina had a balanced offensive effort with all 5 starters scoring in double figures, led by Chloe Kitts with 14 factors. LSU additionally had their 5 starters in double digits, with Aneesah Morrow registering yet one more double-double with 16 factors and 10 rebounds. Reese had 15 factors and eight rebounds earlier than exiting the sport.
South Carolina improved to 18-0 total and 6-0 within the SEC, whereas LSU dropped to 18-3 and 5-2 in convention play.
