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Valentine's Day will bring more than romance to women's college basketball - it delivers one of the most anticipated SEC clashes of the season. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey and her Tigers are preparing for a high-stakes battle against Dawn Staley's top-ranked South Carolina squad at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, and Mulkey is already setting the tone inside the locker room.
In her pregame remarks, Mulkey highlighted the Gamecocks' balance and leadership, specifically pointing to point guard Raven Johnson as a central threat.
They have just so much depth. Raven Johnson, their point guard, is a tremendous leader for her program... what don't they have? So, we've got our hands full - they're very good.
The comment reflects respect, but also urgency. LSU knows stopping Johnson's floor leadership may determine the outcome.
Why Raven Johnson is key to South Carolina's success
While Johnson's scoring numbers don't always dominate headlines, her impact runs deeper than the box score. The senior guard averages 5.4 assists per game and orchestrates the offense with pace control, defensive pressure, and decision-making.
Her previous performances against LSU reinforce Mulkey's concern. In last year's meeting, Johnson recorded a balanced stat line - five points, three rebounds, three assists, and five steals - showing her value as a two-way player.
She isn't alone in creating problems for the Tigers. Mulkey also singled out South Carolina's perimeter weapons and scoring options, including Ta'Niya Latson and Tessa Johnson, whose combined production approaches 30 points per game. Add scoring leader Joyce Edwards and interior presence Madina Okot, and the Gamecocks field one of the SEC's most complete starting lineups.
Even with injuries trimming their bench rotation, South Carolina has dominated ranked opponents this season, proving its starting group alone can overwhelm competition. LSU hasn't beaten the Gamecocks in over a decade, making this matchup especially significant.
Mulkey's counter: Trust in LSU's freshmen
Despite the challenge, Mulkey hinted she plans to rely on more than just veteran stars. She emphasized confidence in her younger players, including Grace Knox, ZaKiyah Johnson, and Bella Hines.
They got to play. They've played all year. Those kids are just talented. They can dribble, run the floor, and defend.
Rather than carry the offense, the freshmen are expected to provide defensive energy and valuable minutes against South Carolina's backcourt. Mulkey may also use 6-foot-5 sophomore Kate Koval to add physicality against Okot inside.
LSU still leans heavily on experienced contributors like Flau'jae Johnson and MiLaysia Fulwiley, but depth could be the deciding factor in a physical SEC matchup.
With tip-off approaching, projections slightly favor LSU, but the margin is narrow. The game represents more than standings - it's a test of discipline versus dominance, leadership versus depth.
If LSU can disrupt Raven Johnson's control, the Tigers could finally end a long drought against South Carolina. If not, the Gamecocks' structure and experience may once again prevail in one of the season's defining battles.