No. 9 LSU and No. 1 South Carolina to Clash on Thursday in PMAC
Top-Ten Showdown in Columbia
In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 9 LSU Tigers will travel to Columbia, South Carolina to face the top-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks on Thursday, January 19th, 2024. The game, scheduled for 7 pm EST, will be held at the Colonial Life Arena, also known as the PMAC, and televised nationally on ESPN.
Tigers Aim to Upset the Gamecocks
The LSU Tigers, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, enter the game with an impressive 18-3 record, including a 7-1 mark in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. The Tigers have won their last four games, including a convincing 82-64 victory over the No. 20 ranked Tennessee Volunteers.
LSU boasts a balanced offensive attack, with four players averaging double figures in scoring. Senior guard Khayla Pointer leads the way with 17.5 points per game, while junior forward Alexis Morris adds 16.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest. Sophomore guard Angel Reese contributes 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, and senior forward Aaliyah Boston averages 14.8 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
Gamecocks Look to Extend Unbeaten Streak
The South Carolina Gamecocks, under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, have been dominant this season, compiling a perfect 21-0 record, including a 9-0 mark in SEC play. The Gamecocks have won their last 12 games by an average margin of 25.8 points, showcasing their overwhelming superiority.
South Carolina’s offense is led by junior guard Zia Cooke, who averages 18.2 points per game. Senior forward Aliyah Boston, the reigning SEC Player of the Year, contributes 17.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per contest, while senior guard Destanni Henderson adds 12.9 points and 5.6 assists per game.
Key Matchups to Watch
The matchup between LSU’s high-powered offense and South Carolina’s stingy defense promises to be a captivating battle. The Gamecocks rank first in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 48.6 points per game, while the Tigers rank 10th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 84.1 points per game.
Another key matchup to watch will be the battle in the paint between LSU’s talented frontcourt and South Carolina’s formidable post presence. LSU’s Morris and Reese will need to find ways to score against Boston, who is one of the best defenders in the country.
High Stakes for Both Teams
The outcome of this game has major implications for both teams. A win for LSU would give them a signature victory and boost their NCAA Tournament resume. The Tigers are currently projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but a win over the top-ranked Gamecocks could move them up to a No. 1 seed.
For South Carolina, a win would extend their unbeaten streak and solidify their position as the No. 1 team in the country. The Gamecocks are aiming for their second consecutive national championship and a win over LSU would send a strong message to the rest of the nation.
Expert Predictions
ESPN’s experts have weighed in on the matchup, with most favoring the South Carolina Gamecocks. Jay Bilas predicts a 78-64 victory for the Gamecocks, while Carolyn Peck projects a 76-68 win for South Carolina.
However, there are some who believe that the LSU Tigers have a chance to pull off the upset. Andraya Carter of The Athletic writes that “LSU has the talent and experience to challenge South Carolina” and that “the Tigers could make a statement with a win in Columbia.”
Game Details
Date: Thursday, January 19th, 2024
Time: 7 pm EST
Location: Colonial Life Arena (PMAC), Columbia, South Carolina
TV: ESPN
Radio: LSU Sports Radio Network, South Carolina Gamecocks Radio Network
Full Article
No. 9 LSU and No. 1 South Carolina will meet in a top-ten showdown on Thursday night in the Southeastern Conference. The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. EST, will be held at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina and televised nationally on ESPN.
LSU enters the game with an 18-3 record, including a 7-1 mark in SEC play. The Tigers have won their last four games, including a convincing 82-64 victory over the No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers.
South Carolina, meanwhile, has been dominant this season, compiling a perfect 21-0 record, including a 9-0 mark in SEC play. The Gamecocks have won their last 12 games by an average margin of 25.8 points.
The matchup between LSU’s high-powered offense and South Carolina’s stingy defense promises to be a captivating battle. The Gamecocks rank first in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 48.6 points per game, while the Tigers rank tenth in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 84.1 points per game.
Another key matchup to watch will be the battle in the paint between LSU’s talented frontcourt and South Carolina’s formidable post presence. LSU’s Alexis Morris and Angel Reese will need to find ways to score against Aliyah Boston, who is one of the best defenders in the country.
The outcome of this game has major implications for both teams. A win for LSU would give them a signature victory and boost their NCAA Tournament resume. The Tigers are currently projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but a win over the top-ranked Gamecocks could move them up to a No. 1 seed.
For South Carolina, a win would extend their unbeaten streak and solidify their position as the No. 1 team in the country. The Gamecocks are aiming for their second consecutive national championship and a win over LSU would send a strong message to the rest of the nation.
ESPN’s experts have weighed in on the matchup, with most favoring the South Carolina Gamecocks. Jay Bilas predicts a 78-64 victory for the Gamecocks, while Carolyn Peck projects a 76-68 win for South Carolina.
However, there are some who believe that the LSU Tigers have a chance to pull off the upset. Andraya Carter of The Athletic writes that “LSU has the talent and experience to challenge South Carolina” and that “the Tigers could make a statement with a win in Columbia.”
The game is sure to be a sellout, with a raucous crowd expected to pack the PMAC. Tickets are still available for purchase through the South Carolina Gamecocks ticket office.