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Kim Mulkey stresses importance of limiting mistakes vs. South Carolina: 'They'll make you pay'

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•01/24/25•

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on3.com/kim-mulkey-embraces-lsu-gymnastics-team-at-championship-parade/
Mar 30, 2024; Albany, NY, USA; LSU Tigers head Ccoach Kim Mulkey claps for her players on the court during the first half against the UCLA Bruins in the semifinals of the Albany Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 LSU led No. 2 South Carolina 22-21 after the first quarter on Friday. Ahead of the second period, Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey weighed in on her team’s performance in the first frame.

“Well, I think we took care of the ball for the most part. I’ve been in this building down a hell of a lot more. I think we’re up one,” Mulkey told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “I thought we started off pretty good.

“They’re subbing quickly, so that tells me a little bit about their rotation on who they think needs to be in the game. So, I’ve got to pay attention to that. I thought we took a couple of bad shots. You can’t take bad shots against South Carolina. They’ll make you pay.”

LSU committed four turnovers in the first quarter. South Carolina capitalized on the Tigers’ mistakes, scoring eight points off turnovers. Nonetheless, LSU carried the lead into the second quarter.

Mulkey intimately understands how dangerous South Carolina can be. The Tigers squared off against the Gamecocks twice last season, losing both meetings.

The two teams’ final meeting was in the SEC Championship. It was a war, and tensions boiled over between the two prestigious programs late in the game.

With two minutes left in the fourth quarter, LSU guard Flau’Jae Johnson committed a foul during a fastbreak on South Carolina freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley. After the foul, South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins walked past Johnson clapping with a smile on her face.

Johnson took exception, pushing Watkins aside. In an act of retaliation, Kamilla Cardoso bolted toward Johnson, knocking her to the ground. The collision resulted in multiple players and staff members from both teams meeting at halfcourt.

When the dust settled and ejections were handed out, LSU only had five players available and South Carolina had six. Although Cardoso isn’t back for South Carolina this season, Johnson is once again a star for the Tigers.

She undoubtedly hasn’t forgotten the heated interaction that unfolded less than a year ago. Now, Kim Mulkey and Co. will look to avenge their loss as they head into the second quarter against South Carolina.

After all, LSU isn’t familiar with losing this season. The Tigers entered the highly-anticipated showdown on Friday with a jaw-dropping 20-0 record. While South Carolina has suffered one loss this season, it is the only other program still undefeated in conference play.