No. 1 South Carolina Wins SEC Tournament Over No. 8 LSU 79–72 in Game Marred by Skirmish, Ejections

South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley vies for the ball with LSU guard Janae Kent (L) and guard Flau'jae Johnson during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Southeastern Conference women's tournament final in Greenville, S.C., on March 10, 2024. Chris Carlson/AP Photo

GREENVILLE, S.C.—It was a Southeastern Conference Tournament celebration like no other in South Carolina’s history: Six subdued players in white championship hats stood on the podium while the rest of their teammates remained in the locker room.

“It was heartbreaking,” guard Te-Hina Paopao said after the Gamecocks’ 79–72 victory over No. 8 LSU was marred by a fourth-quarter fight that led to South Carolina leading scorer and rebounder Kamilla Cardoso being ejected.