South Carolina-LSU women basketball game
South Carolina vs. LSU Women’s Basketball Game Rescheduled Due to Travel Delays
The highly anticipated showdown between No. 2 South Carolina and No. 4 LSU in women’s college basketball has been postponed by one day. Originally slated for Thursday at 8 p.m. in Colonial Life Arena, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) announced that the game will now tip off on Friday at 5 p.m. Travel complications for LSU, caused by severe winter weather in Louisiana, prompted the schedule change.
Despite the change, ESPN will still broadcast the game as originally planned. However, the popular “College GameDay” show, which was set to highlight the matchup, will no longer be part of the broadcast lineup.
Winter Weather Delays LSU’s Travel
The rescheduling decision stemmed from significant snowfalls in southern Louisiana earlier this week. Reports indicate that some areas received as much as 10 inches of snow between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, disrupting travel and creating unsafe conditions. The SEC released a statement acknowledging LSU’s travel issues and cited safety concerns as the primary reason for the game’s delay.
Fans who purchased tickets for the original Thursday night game can rest assured their tickets will be honored for the rescheduled Friday evening matchup, according to South Carolina’s athletics department.
Other Game Schedules Remain Unchanged
While the women’s game was pushed back, the USC men’s basketball game, set for Wednesday night at 7 p.m. against SEC rival Mississippi State, remains unaffected and will proceed as scheduled. The men’s game will air on the SEC Network.
South Carolina women’s basketball typically plays its conference games on Thursdays and Sundays. The rescheduling of the LSU matchup is not expected to have a significant impact on the Gamecocks’ season, as they have a three-day cushion before their next game. South Carolina will face Tennessee on Monday, Jan. 27, allowing plenty of time for recovery and preparation.
A Rivalry Rekindled
Friday’s game marks the first meeting between South Carolina and LSU since their dramatic clash in the 2024 SEC Championship game. That matchup ended with a 79-72 victory for the Gamecocks but was marred by a heated on-court altercation in the final moments.
In that game, South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso was ejected for fighting, while LSU’s entire bench was disqualified after leaving their designated area during the scuffle. Nearly the entire South Carolina bench was also ejected, with the exceptions of Sania Feagin and Te-Hina Paopao.
The SEC later handed down penalties for the incident, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and maintaining control during competitive games. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how both teams manage their emotions during Friday’s rematch.
South Carolina’s Dominance Over LSU
Historically, LSU holds a narrow 22-20 lead in the all-time series against South Carolina. However, recent history has favored the Gamecocks, who have won the last 16 consecutive matchups between the two teams.
Head coach Dawn Staley’s South Carolina squad has been a dominant force in the SEC in recent years, routinely competing for conference and national titles. LSU, under head coach Kim Mulkey, has also emerged as a formidable opponent, making this game one of the marquee matchups of the women’s college basketball season.
What’s at Stake
Both teams enter the game with high rankings and championship aspirations, adding further intrigue to this already intense rivalry. For South Carolina, a victory would extend their winning streak against LSU and solidify their position as one of the top contenders for the SEC title. For LSU, a win would not only break their losing streak against the Gamecocks but also serve as a statement of their growth and resilience under Mulkey’s leadership.
Fans can expect a high-energy game, filled with skilled play, strategic adjustments, and plenty of intensity. Despite the weather-induced delay, the matchup remains a must-watch event for women’s college basketball enthusiasts nationwide.
Conclusion
The rescheduled game between South Carolina and LSU provides an extra day of anticipation for fans eager to witness two of the nation’s top teams square off. With recent history, high stakes, and championship implications, Friday’s matchup promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Whether it’s South Carolina extending their dominance or LSU seeking redemption, all eyes will be on Colonial Life Arena as these SEC powerhouses battle it out.
