COLUMBIA, S.C. — Feb. 9, 2026 — One of the most compelling matchups of the NCAA women’s college basketball season is poised for Valentine’s Day as the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks prepare to host the No. 5 LSU Tigers on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8:30 p.m. ET, a primetime broadcast on ABC that has drawn national attention.

The game isn’t just another Southeastern Conference (SEC) contest — it’s a clash of elite programs, two Hall of Fame coaches, and a rivalry with renewed personal stakes thanks to the offseason transfer of Columbia native MiLaysia Fulwiley from South Carolina to LSU.

Fulwiley’s Transfer Adds Drama to the Rivalry

Fulwiley, a dynamic guard who was a linchpin of South Carolina’s success — including an NCAA Championship in 2024, an SEC Tournament MVP, and SEC Sixth Player of the Year honors — shocked many fans when she announced her transfer to LSU in April 2025.

During her two years at South Carolina, Fulwiley averaged 11.7 points per game and showcased elite scoring, playmaking, and defensive instincts that made her one of the most exciting players in the conference.

LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, a former national championship coach at Baylor and a transformative figure since arriving in Baton Rouge, welcomed Fulwiley as “one of the most electrifying talents in college basketball” and expressed confidence that her playmaking will elevate the Tigers’ backcourt.

The transfer instantly added a personal narrative to the matchup. While South Carolina coach Dawn Staley publicly praised Fulwiley’s talents and referred to her as a “younger, savvier version” of herself, she also acknowledged the reality of competing against a former player now in rival colors.

Teams Poised for High Stakes

Both programs have national championship aspirations. South Carolina, under Staley’s leadership, is one of the perennial powers in women’s basketball, known for disciplined defense and balanced scoring. LSU, guided by Mulkey’s fiery coaching style and offensive versatility, has rebounded from midseason adversity and recent losses to climb back into the top five nationally.

The Tigers, featuring stars like senior guard Flau’jae Johnson, have recently posted convincing wins — including a 77-44 victory over Auburn — demonstrating depth and defensive strength.

Coaching Legends and Rivalry History

The matchup also features two of the sport’s most respected coaches. Staley has built South Carolina into a perennial title contender — including multiple SEC titles and Final Four runs — while Mulkey’s resume includes multiple national championships and a résumé of turning programs into elite contenders.

Their rivalry has grown intensely competitive. Past meetings have featured high emotion, physical play, and tactical battles that reflect the high stakes in SEC women’s basketball. This season’s meeting adds another layer of intrigue with Fulwiley’s journey and both teams seeking positioning for NCAA Tournament seeding.

Beyond the Box Score

For Fulwiley, the game offers a chance to perform on a national stage against her former team and in front of fans who watched her rise from a local standout in South Carolina high school basketball to a national collegiate performer. Despite speculation on her role and minutes at LSU this season, opportunities like Valentine’s Day bring heightened focus and expectations.

Whether it’s a showcase of strategic coaching, star talent, or shifting allegiances, South Carolina vs. LSU on Feb. 14 is shaping up as a marquee moment in the 2025-26 women’s college basketball calendar — one fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as both programs chase deeper postseason runs.

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