On January 23, 2025, two of the top teams in women’s college basketball, #5 LSU and #2 South Carolina, are set to clash in what promises to be a thrilling and crucial SEC showdown. Both teams have been at the top of their game all season long, and this matchup will have major implications for the SEC standings as well as the national landscape. With star players, elite coaching, and high stakes, this game is one that fans of women’s basketball won’t want to miss.
The Teams
#5 LSU Tigers (14-3, 5-1 SEC)
The LSU Tigers have been a dominant force in women’s college basketball for several years under head coach Kim Mulkey. The team has been a consistent contender in the SEC, and the 2024-2025 season is no different. LSU enters this game with an impressive 14-3 record, including 5-1 in SEC play, putting them firmly in the race for the top spot in the conference.
Led by the talented Angel Reese, LSU has one of the most dynamic offenses in the nation. Reese, the reigning SEC Player of the Year and a preseason All-American, has been a force on both ends of the court. Known for her ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it’s through post moves, mid-range jumpers, or crashing the boards—Reese is a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. She’s averaging over 20 points per game and pulling down double-digit rebounds, solidifying herself as one of the most dominant players in the country.
In addition to Reese, LSU boasts a solid supporting cast, including standout players like Alexis Morris and Flau’jae Johnson. Morris, a veteran point guard, provides leadership and playmaking ability, while Johnson, a dynamic freshman, has shown flashes of brilliance with her scoring and defensive abilities. Together, they form a formidable trio that makes LSU one of the most well-rounded teams in the SEC.
Coach Mulkey’s squad also excels defensively, with an aggressive, pressuring style that has been effective in slowing down even the most potent offenses. LSU’s defense ranks among the best in the country, and they’ll need that to be on full display against a talented South Carolina team that can score in bunches.
#2 South Carolina Gamecocks (16-1, 6-0 SEC)
South Carolina enters this game as the #2 team in the nation and the reigning national champions. Under head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have established themselves as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball, and they show no signs of slowing down in 2025. South Carolina is currently 16-1 overall and 6-0 in SEC play, making them one of the most complete and well-balanced teams in the country.
The Gamecocks are led by the dominant Aliyah Boston, one of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball. Boston, a two-time National Player of the Year, is an absolute force in the post, capable of dominating both ends of the floor. Her rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring abilities are unmatched, and she’s a matchup nightmare for any opponent. Boston is averaging a double-double this season and continues to show why she is considered one of the best players to ever play the game.
Alongside Boston, South Carolina boasts a number of other talented players, including Zia Cooke, Laeticia Amihere, and Brea Beal. Cooke, a senior guard, is one of the best scorers in the country and can take over a game with her ability to shoot from deep, drive to the basket, and create for her teammates. Amihere, a forward, is an excellent rebounder and defender, and Beal is known for her lockdown defense and ability to guard multiple positions.
South Carolina’s defense is one of their strongest attributes, as they’ve consistently been one of the best defensive teams in the nation. They have the length and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses, and their ability to pressure the ball and contest shots has been a key factor in their success. Under Staley’s guidance, the Gamecocks have developed a reputation for their physical and aggressive defense, and that will be critical in this matchup with LSU.
Key Storylines
Battle of the Titans: Reese vs. Boston
The most intriguing storyline heading into this matchup is the head-to-head battle between two of the best players in college basketball: Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston. Both players have the ability to take over a game on their own, and this contest could very well come down to which player can impose their will the most.
Reese’s scoring versatility and rebounding ability will be key for LSU, but she’ll be going up against one of the best defenders in the country in Boston. Boston’s ability to protect the rim and dominate the paint could limit Reese’s effectiveness, but Reese’s offensive game has been nearly impossible to stop this season. It will be a fascinating matchup of two powerhouse players, and whichever one can find a way to assert their dominance will likely give their team a major advantage.
South Carolina’s Defense vs. LSU’s Offense
One of the biggest differences between these two teams is their approach to defense. South Carolina’s defense is one of the most suffocating in the nation, and they’ll need that defense to slow down LSU’s high-powered offense. The Gamecocks have the length and athleticism to disrupt LSU’s offensive sets and force them into tough shots. However, LSU has one of the most explosive offenses in the SEC, and they are more than capable of getting hot from the field.
LSU’s ability to execute offensively, especially through their pick-and-roll plays with Reese and Morris, will be critical. If they can move the ball quickly and find good shot opportunities, they may be able to break down South Carolina’s defense. On the other hand, if the Gamecocks can make things difficult for LSU’s ball handlers and force turnovers, they will have the advantage in this game.
The Impact of Role Players
While Reese and Boston are the stars, both teams have a wealth of supporting players who can step up and make a difference. For LSU, players like Morris and Johnson will need to contribute in a big way, particularly in terms of scoring and playmaking. LSU’s bench will also need to step up and provide valuable minutes, as South Carolina’s depth can wear teams down over the course of a game.
For South Carolina, Cooke’s scoring ability will be critical, as she can be the spark the Gamecocks need if Boston is being double-teamed or neutralized. Amihere and Beal will also need to contribute both defensively and offensively, as their ability to create second-chance opportunities and guard multiple positions will be vital in this matchup.
Keys to the Game
- Controlling the Paint: With Reese and Boston both being dominant in the post, whichever team can establish control in the paint will have a significant advantage. Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or defending the rim, the paint will be a battleground.
- Three-Point Shooting: Both teams are capable of hitting from beyond the arc, but South Carolina has been a more consistent three-point shooting team this season. If LSU can knock down some long-range shots to stretch the defense, it could open up opportunities inside.
- Turnovers: Both teams excel at pressuring the ball, and turnovers will be a key factor. The team that can limit mistakes and make the most of their fast-break opportunities will likely come out on top.
- Depth: With both teams boasting talented rosters, depth will play an important role. The team with the freshest legs late in the game, especially in the fourth quarter, could have an edge.
Prediction
This game is set to be a close and hard-fought battle, but South Carolina’s superior defense and depth will give them the edge. While LSU has the ability to keep it competitive with Reese’s dominance and their high-powered offense, South Carolina’s overall team defense and the presence of Aliyah Boston will be the difference. Expect a thrilling matchup, but in the end, South Carolina should come out on top.
South Carolina 74, LSU 68
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