South Carolina’s 18-game dominance over LSU stems from multiple factors, but one element stands above the rest: controlling the paint with elite post players.
The lineage is legendary—Alaina Coates, A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Kamilla Cardoso have all tormented the Tigers over the years. LSU’s rebounding prowess, even with standouts like Angel Reese and Annesah Morrow, couldn’t overcome the Gamecocks’ size advantage. In the previous Baton Rouge matchup, Cardoso eliminated Reese via foul trouble before her presence in the paint created open perimeter looks for Bree Hall.
This season’s Valentine’s Day showdown followed a familiar script. Despite LSU fielding strong rebounders, their lack of reliable size inside left them vulnerable. South Carolina would need sophomore center Madina Okot to deliver.
Dawn Staley emphasized Okot’s importance before tipoff: “Huge. Huge. Like always. I do think what we’ve been able to do is control the paint for the most part, and that serves true for this particular game when it comes to controlling the boards because those are paint points.”
Climbing Out of a Slump
Three weeks before the LSU game, Okot had lost her starting role. While Staley downplayed it publicly, she acknowledged the change was necessary based on performance. When injuries depleted the roster a week later, Staley had no choice but to reinsert Okot into the starting five.
“Really, she didn’t have a choice,” Staley explained. “She had to get back in the starting lineup.”
The adjustment period proved rocky. Against Mississippi State, Okot posted 10 points and 10 rebounds—her first double-double in weeks, though hardly dominant. Still, Staley saw progress, describing Okot as “ramping up.”
The Tennessee game marked Okot’s true return. She collected 16 rebounds alongside 10 points and two blocks—matching her total rebound output from three bench appearances. After the performance, Okot confidently declared, “I’m back.”
Her timing proved perfect. Against LSU, Okot logged 31 minutes—a conference season-high—and grabbed 17 rebounds, nearly equaling her teammates’ combined total of 20. The player who earlier admitted “I feel like I had too much pressure” now thrived in the season’s most intense atmosphere.
Clutch Moments Define Her Revival
With under 30 seconds remaining and the game on the line, Raven Johnson delivered a pass to Okot near the lane. The momentary opening vanished as LSU’s defenders converged. Facing a triple-team, Okot remained composed, creating separation with a fade-away before banking home the critical basket.
Staley praised her poise: “I thought she took her time because there were a lot of times she caught it and made a move. There was a crowd there. She took her time and put it on that white square, and it went in.”
Johnson, Okot’s roommate, rushed to celebrate—a moment representing months of relentless accountability. Johnson has pushed Okot constantly, offering feedback on everything from in-game decisions to fundamental techniques.
“We’re roommates. I be getting on her about little things,” Johnson shared. “Pregame, we were eating, and I was telling Madina about a play she messed up last game. I was on her butt, and she said ‘Are you going to keep saying that?’ I said, yeah, I’m going to keep saying that. It’s little things like that. I’m trying to hold her accountable. She’s very hard on herself. She wants to be great. She wants to be one of the best post players, another post player to come out of here that’s really good. I try to hold her accountable and be a really good point guard to her.”
The final test came at the free-throw line. LSU fouled Okot, a 68% shooter who had crumbled in a similar situation against Louisville, missing three of four attempts. This time, she calmly converted both free throws.
Okot’s journey from benchwarmer to closer encapsulates resilience and growth. Her signature three-pointer against Texas now has company—a collection of clutch plays that announce her arrival as South Carolina’s next dominant post presence. The young center’s declaration after Tennessee wasn’t premature. She’s back, and the Gamecocks’ paint dominance continues.
