The South Carolina defeats LSU in SEC Women’s Tournament semifinal behind Raven Johnson career night story unfolded in dramatic fashion Saturday evening, as the top-seeded Gamecocks surged past the Tigers 83–77 and marched into yet another conference championship game.
Inside Greenville’s roaring Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the tension hung thick in the air. Every possession mattered. Every defensive stop drew thunder from the crowd. And at the center of it all was senior point guard Raven Johnson, who delivered one of the finest performances of her career when her team needed it most.
Johnson poured in a career-high 22 points, guiding South Carolina to its seventh straight SEC Tournament championship appearance. The Gamecocks, now 31–2, are one win away from claiming their fourth consecutive SEC Tournament title.
Raven Johnson Takes Control
For years, Johnson has been known less for scoring explosions and more for steady leadership, precise passing, and defensive grit. But LSU learned the hard way that leaving her open can be dangerous.
On Saturday, Johnson punished every mistake.
She finished the night:
- 22 points (career high)
- 9-of-14 shooting
- 4-of-6 from three-point range
- 8 assists
- 3 rebounds
Her scoring burst arrived exactly when South Carolina needed it most. In the third quarter alone, Johnson scored 10 points, fueling a decisive momentum shift.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey acknowledged Johnson’s leadership after the game, emphasizing how her discipline makes South Carolina’s offense so difficult to defend.
Johnson rarely forces shots. But when defenses relax—even for a second—she makes them pay.
Gamecocks Rally After Halftime Deficit
The semifinal didn’t start comfortably for South Carolina.
LSU controlled much of the first half and went into halftime leading 40–36 after a strong second quarter surge.
The Tigers’ energy came largely from guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, who looked comfortable on familiar ground in Greenville. The former Gamecock sparked LSU with a scoring run that gave the Tigers their early edge.
But the game flipped dramatically after halftime.
Third Quarter Surge
South Carolina stormed out of the locker room and outscored LSU 23–14 in the third quarter, swinging the momentum decisively.
The Gamecocks dominated key hustle categories:
- 15 points off LSU turnovers
- 18 second-chance points
- 13 offensive rebounds
Center Madina Okot was relentless on the glass, grabbing 13 rebounds, including five offensive boards that created valuable extra possessions.
Balanced Scoring Fuels South Carolina
While Johnson led the scoring, South Carolina’s depth once again proved overwhelming.
Several players delivered big moments:
- Joyce Edwards: 18 points, 11 rebounds (double-double)
- Ta’Niya Latson: 19 points
- Tessa Johnson: 11 points
- Madina Okot: 13 rebounds
Edwards praised Johnson’s leadership afterward, calling her the best point guard in college basketball.
The sophomore forward highlighted Johnson’s combination of experience, composure, and vision as a major reason South Carolina continues to thrive in high-pressure postseason games.
LSU’s Effort Falls Short
Despite the loss, LSU produced several bright spots.
Fulwiley led the Tigers with a season-high 24 points, showing confidence and aggression against her former program.
Guard Jada Richard added 17 points, while Mikaylah Williams chipped in 14.
However, LSU struggled with ball security and shooting efficiency during key stretches.
The Tigers committed 14 turnovers, which South Carolina converted into valuable transition opportunities. Star senior Flau’Jae Johnson also endured a difficult night, finishing with just six points on 1-of-8 shooting.
It marked LSU’s 19th consecutive loss to South Carolina, a streak that underscores the Gamecocks’ dominance in the rivalry.
Dawn Staley’s Tournament Dynasty
Under head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has turned the SEC Tournament into a yearly showcase of consistency and power.
Since 2015, the Gamecocks have failed to win the tournament only twice:
- 2019: Quarterfinal upset by Arkansas
- 2021: Heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to Kentucky in the final
Every other year, the Gamecocks have lifted the trophy.
Now they stand just one victory away from four straight SEC Tournament championships, further strengthening their reputation as one of the most dominant programs in women’s college basketball.
What Comes Next
South Carolina will face the winner of the other semifinal between Texas and Ole Miss in Sunday’s SEC championship game.
With momentum, depth, and postseason experience on their side, the Gamecocks enter the final looking every bit like a team ready to extend their dynasty.
And if Saturday proved anything, it’s this: when defenses forget about Raven Johnson—even for a moment—she can take over a game.
The South Carolina defeats LSU in SEC Women’s Tournament semifinal behind Raven Johnson career night performance now stands as one of the defining moments of the Gamecocks’ championship push.
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