South Carolina Basketball: 3 thumbs up, 3 thumbs down from SEC Tournament championship win over LSU

South Carolina basketball won its 8th SEC Tournament championship in 10 years on Sunday, but because of other things that happened, the ridiculous run of success for the Gamecocks has been an afterthought to most.

With the Gamecocks up 7 with 2 minutes to go, that lead was about to grow to 9 as MiLaysia Fulwiley had a breakaway opportunity. Instead, LSU guard Flau'jae Johnson grabbed Fulwiley by the waist, intentionally fouling her and spinning her around, drawing the ire of some Gamecock players.

As players passed by Johnson (with words for her, no doubt), Johnson shoved Gamecock forward Ashlyn Watkins, and USC post player Kamilla Cardoso retaliated with a big shove that sent the LSU sophomore to the floor. Some pushing and shoving ensued, and a fan (reportedly Johnson's brother) got involved before order was restored.

Cardoso was ejected with a "fighting disqualification" (a penalty that usually comes with a suspension), 3 more Gamecocks were sent off for leaving the bench area, and LSU's entire bench was ejected. Johnson faced no repercussions outside of her initial foul.

The Gamecocks held on to win the game, and the team's best player on Sunday afternoon was true freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley. Fulwiley was named the SEC Tournament MVP as she scored 24 points in just 17 minutes against LSU. Hailey Van Lith simply couldn't guard Fulwiley, and the Columbia native made the Tigers pay for leaving her in that matchup.

South Carolina basketball continues their quest for an undefeated season and a 3rd national championship. As the clear #1-overall seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, the Gamecocks likely will not miss Kamilla Cardoso during her 1-game suspension in a game against a 16-seed.

It was the 16th win in a row for South Carolina over LSU.

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