The stage is set for an exciting SEC women’s basketball tournament semifinal as third-ranked South Carolina demolished 17th-ranked Kentucky 87-64 in Friday’s opening quarterfinal matchup in Greenville, South Carolina.
Leading the charge for the Gamecocks was Joyce Edwards with 21 points, while Madina Okot continued her impressive streak by recording her eighth consecutive double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Tessa Johnson contributed 15 points and Ta’Niya Latson chipped in 11 points along with six assists for the tournament’s top seed South Carolina (30-2), extending their winning streak to 11 games. This victory came after the Gamecocks previously defeated Kentucky 60-56 in their regular season closer last Sunday.
The Gamecocks seized command of the contest during the second quarter, outpacing the ninth-seeded Wildcats 22-11 to establish a commanding 44-27 advantage at the break. South Carolina’s defensive pressure proved decisive, as they converted turnovers into a substantial 25-8 scoring edge. Kentucky (23-10) received solid performances from Amelia Hassett with 15 points, Teonni Key contributing 13 points and eight rebounds, Clara Strack adding 11 points, and Asia Boone scoring 10.
In the tournament’s second quarterfinal, sixth-ranked LSU delivered a dominant 112-78 victory over seventh-ranked Oklahoma, posting their season-high point total against SEC competition. MiLaysia Fulwiley led the Tigers’ offensive explosion with 22 points and eight assists, supported by Flau’jae Johnson’s 21 points, Mikaylah Williams’ 14 points, Jada Richard’s 13 points, and Bella Hines’ 10 points.
The fourth-seeded Tigers (27-4) controlled the game from early on, building a 45-33 halftime cushion before extending their dominance to 72-49 entering the final period. Oklahoma (24-7) entered the contest riding a seven-game winning streak but couldn’t match LSU’s firepower despite strong efforts from Aaliyah Chavez (20 points) and Sahara Williams (19 points, nine rebounds). The Sooners’ leading scorer Raegan Beers, who averages 16.0 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, was limited to just six points and eight rebounds in 23 minutes before fouling out.
The semifinal clash between South Carolina and LSU is scheduled for Saturday, promising to be one of the tournament’s most compelling matchups.
