LSU secures dominant 81-67 win over South Carolina in SEC matchup

Cam Carter leads LSU past South Carolina as Tigers earn second straight win.

LSU Tigers guard Cam Carter (5) dribbles against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Zachary Davis (2) during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on February 18, 2025. Photo by Stephen Lew/Imagn Images

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

Cam Carter scored 17 points to lead LSU to an 81-67 victory over South Carolina on Tuesday night in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Tigers (14-12, 3-10 SEC) secured their second consecutive win after enduring a seven-game losing streak, showing an improved offensive rhythm and efficiency.

LSU displayed a balanced scoring effort, with Mike Williams III contributing 13 points, Vyctorius Miller adding 12, and Dji Bailey finishing with 11. The Tigers shot 50 percent from the field and connected on 43.3 percent of their three-point attempts. Their bench also played a key role, outscoring South Carolina’s reserves 30-15.

South Carolina struggles continue in SEC play

Jamarii Thomas led the Gamecocks (10-16, 0-13 SEC) with 23 points, while Collin Murray-Boyles recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds. Despite their efforts, South Carolina extended its school-worst start in SEC play, remaining winless in conference matchups.

South Carolina made an early push in the second half, with Thomas scoring the first two field goals in a 7-0 run that cut LSU’s lead to 43-34. However, Curtis Givens III responded with a three-pointer, and Bailey followed with a jumper to restore a 14-point advantage.

LSU pulls away with strong shooting

The Gamecocks briefly narrowed the gap to nine points, but Carter drained back-to-back three-pointers, helping LSU extend its lead to 59-42. South Carolina made several attempts to cut into the deficit, getting within 15 points multiple times, but LSU maintained control.

With LSU leading 66-46 midway through the half, the Tigers stretched their advantage to 21 points before South Carolina responded with seven unanswered points to close the gap to 69-55. Although the Gamecocks managed to trim the deficit to 14 on three occasions, Miller and Bailey sealed the win with consecutive three-pointers, pushing LSU’s lead to 81-61 with just over three minutes remaining.

Strong first half sets the tone for LSU

South Carolina struck first, with Thomas scoring the opening basket. However, Miller quickly responded with a three-pointer to put LSU ahead for good. Another three-pointer from Miller soon after extended the lead to 10-4.

The Gamecocks stayed close early, cutting the deficit to one point twice before Robert Miller III added four points and Sears knocked down a three-pointer to push LSU’s lead to nine. After a dunk by Murray-Boyles momentarily gave South Carolina momentum, Williams responded with two three-pointers, extending the Tigers' lead to 31-18.

LSU continued to dominate, building a 16-point advantage before taking a 41-27 lead into halftime.

LSU builds momentum with second straight win

With this victory, LSU appears to be regaining confidence after its extended losing streak. The Tigers’ offensive efficiency, particularly their three-point shooting, played a crucial role in the win. Meanwhile, South Carolina continues to search for its first SEC victory, struggling to find consistency on both ends of the court.

As the SEC season progresses, LSU looks to carry its momentum forward, while South Carolina faces increasing pressure to break its winless streak in conference play.