In the impending showdown between the No. 9 LSU Tigers and the No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks, Thursday promises a battle between the two most recent national champions. As the matchup looms, Kim Mulkey and Dawn Staley, the LSU head coach, took a moment to laud the dominance of the Gamecocks in the current season.
“They just reload,” asserted Kim Mulkey. “They’re that good. They were that good last year. I said it last year, and I’ll say it again; they’re the best team in the country. But the best team doesn’t always win.”
South Carolina stands as the sole remaining undefeated team in college basketball, showcasing their strength on both offensive and defensive fronts. Averaging an impressive 90.8 points per game, the Gamecocks demonstrate offensive prowess while stifling opponents to a mere 52.1 points.
At the helm is Kamilla Cardoso, boasting a double-double average of 13.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. However, the Gamecocks showcase depth with seven players averaging at least 8.9 points or better.
Despite LSU’s non-conference schedule being perceived as potentially easier than South Carolina’s, the Tigers have proven to be a formidable force, securing the second-best scoring margin in the nation. Mulkey’s squad averages 91.6 points, with six players contributing at least 11.6 points per game, including the impactful double-double duo of Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow.
Both teams shine in national rankings for rebounding and assists, amplifying the anticipation for this highly awaited matchup. While acknowledging the pressure on both sides, Dawn Staley, the South Carolina coach, suggested that LSU might feel a tad more pressure playing in front of their home crowd.
Staley also expressed respect and admiration for LSU’s roster this season, noting the team’s experience and high-level players in various positions. “They are a year older. They have some experience, some high-level players in all positions and they utilize it,” acknowledged Staley. “They are good.”
Highlighting the impact of LSU‘s Angel Reese, Staley pointed out her significant role in elevating women’s college basketball’s visibility. As LSU’s leading scorer and rebounder since the last season, Reese’s on-court prowess and charismatic personality have contributed to the sport’s growth.
Kim Mulkey and Dawn Staley, “I think Angel has brought more eyeballs on our sport with her play, with her personality,” commended Staley. “I think sometimes you have to put yourself out there in order for us to advance our game, and Angel has done a great job of it.” As the anticipation builds, this clash between powerhouse teams promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and mutual admiration.
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