Things got extremely physical between LSU and women’s basketball team and the South Carolina Gamecocks. In the SEC women’s basketball tournament final featuring LSU and South Carolina on Sunday, the Gamecocks remained undefeated with a 79-72 victory.
During the fourth quarter, South Carolina star, Kamilla Cardoso pushed Flau’jae Johnson to the ground which led to multiple player being ejected. Even though things went left during the game, sports fans are more shocked at how LSU’s coach, Lim Mulkey reacted to viral altercation.
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“I wish she would have pushed Angel Reese,” Mulkey told reporters after the game. “You 6’8″, don’t push somebody that little. That was uncalled for, in my opinion.”
Johnson is listed at 5’10” on the school’s official website, while Reese is listed at 6’3″. The sophomore point guard finished the game with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists on 4-of-10 shooting. Reese scored 15 points of her own, grabbing 13 rebounds and dishing out two assists.
Meanwhile, Cardoso recorded eight points, six rebounds, and three blocks in 22 minutes of action. She was one of the six players that were ejected for their involvement in the scuffle, with ESPN’s broadcast reporting that Cardoso is also ineligible for the first round of the NCAA Tournament.After the game, she apologized in a post on X.
“I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for my actions during today’s game. My behavior was not representative of who I am as a person or the South Carolina program, and I deeply regret any discomfort or inconvenience it may have caused. I take full responsibility for my actions and assure you that I am committed to conducting myself with the utmost respect and sportsmanship in the future.”
While the loss in the conference title game is disappointing after the Tigers were national champions in 2023, Mulkey was also concerned with the fight creating a bad look for the sport.
“It’s ugly,” she said according to Sports Illustrated. “It’s not good. No one wants to be a part of that. No one wants to see to see that ugliness.”
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley issued an apology during an interview following the win.
“I just want to apologize to the basketball community,” Staley said. “When you’re playing in championship games like this, in our league, things get heated. No bad intentions, their emotions got so far ahead of them that sometimes these things happen. So, I want to apologize for us playing a part in that, because that’s not who we are and that’s not what we’re about.”
With the SEC title heading to South Carolina, both teams will focus on the NCAA Tournament where LSU will look to defend its crown.