A thrilling showdown between the LSU and South Carolina women for the SEC Tournament crown turned ugly late in the fourth quarter.
Both benches were ejected after they spilled into a fight that broke out out on-court. The Tigers had to finish out the 79-72 loss with five players after two players were ejected. The Gamecocks finished the game with six players after four players, including Cardoso, were kicked out.
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The incident began with the Gamecocks leading 73-66 with just over 2 minutes remaining. South Carolina freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley stole the ball from LSU's Flau'Jae Johnson, who committed a foul in transition. The Tigers guard then appeared to swing an elbow at South Carolina's Ashlyn Watkins, who had come over and appeared to be taunting. Gamecocks center Kamillar Cardoso then went on to hit Johnson, knocking her to the ground and ignited several moments of confusion.
At least one fan in the arena ran onto the court before being escorted out by security. The man was identified as Johnson's brother, according to the broadcast.
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Aneesah Morrow led the Tigers in scoring with 19 points, while Angel Reese contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds. The Tigers were also playing short-handed, with junior guard Last-Tea Poa missing the game due to an injury suffered during a semifinal win over Ole Miss.
The incident and final result adds another chapter to the series between the two SEC powers, but one that has been notably one-sided. LSU won its first-ever NCAA Tournament title last year, but they didn't have to go through South Carolina to do it, with the Gamecocks upset in the Final Four. The Tigers are now 0-4 against the Gamecocks, including a pair this season.
South Carolina will be the top overall seed when the tournament field is announced on Sunday. The Tigers are expected to land as high as a 2 seed.