Fight Erupts as South Carolina Defeats LSU 79-72 For Conference Title
On Sunday, the top-ranked Lady Gamecocks of the University of South Carolina defeated the LSU Tigers 79-21 to capture the SEC championship and a certain number-one seed in the upcoming NCAA women’s college basketball tournament. But the headline from this game was not the final score. Instead, what captured everyone’s attention was a massive fight between the two teams that broke out with just over two minutes to play.
With South Carolina leading 73-66 in the waning minutes, Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley stole the ball and tried to break down the court. LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson wrapped her up with an aggressive intentional foul. Mayhem then followed as a visibly upset Johnson shoved her way through several South Carolina players, including Ashlyn Watkins before Gamecocks center Kamilla Cardoso threw Johnson down on the court in a check that would have made Matt Rempe proud.
ESPN, which covered the entire game, posted a video of the entire altercation on YouTube:
Multiple Players And One Fan Ejected
One of the most interesting parts of the fight occurred when a fan in the stands leaped from the seats onto the court to join the fight. At first, it was not clear who the fan was, though police immediately detained him. Later, it was revealed that the individual was Johnson’s brother, who was trying to defend her during the fight.
When the dust settled, six players (and Johnson’s brother) were ejected from the game. From South Carolina, this included Cardoso, along with Chloe Kitts, Tessa Johnson, and Sakima Walker (all for leaving the bench area. From LSU, reserves Aalyah Del Rosario and Janae Kent were disqualified, also for leaving the bench area. After the ejections, both teams had to finish the game with just five players each.
After the game, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley — who was loudly shouting at the LSU bench during the fight —apologized to the fans for the player’s behavior, saying they let their emotions get the better of them. “I know it didn’t come from a bad place,” she said.
After the game, Cardillo also apologized for her actions on her X account.
Jason Whitlock Questions Actions Of Officials During Fight
One notable development in the aftermath of the fight was the criticism of the game’s officials from outspoken reporter Jason Whitlock. As the fight was going on, one official could be seen running away from the skirmish.
Of course, officials are not security guards, but they are expected to intervene in player altercations and try to break them up to the best of their ability. Whitlock was also very critical about the overall handling of the situation, and the game itself, by the officials.
Whitlock was also very curious about how the end of the game might impact the officiating in the NCAA tournament.
Regardless of the officiating, or how it might impact the tournament, both teams likely will face some hardship when the NCAAs begin. All of the ejected players could face at least a one-game suspension, if not more, for participating in the fight.
With South Carolina the likely top overall seed in the tournament, the team has their eyes squarely set on winning the championship, so the fight could hurt them in the early rounds. LSU is also a contender, currently projected as a number-two seed in the women’s version of March Madness.
