a drama-filled SEC championship US basketball tournament. #usbasketball #US #basketball #champion

ohio_state_basketball_commits

In a drama-filled SEC championship showdown, South Carolina emerged victorious over LSU with a final score of 79-72, despite the game being overshadowed by a bench-clearing brawl and subsequent mass ejections that left the Gamecocks and the Tigers severely short-handed. The fracas, which erupted in the closing minutes of the contest, has cast a shadow over the NCAA tournament prospects for both teams, particularly for South Carolina's All-SEC center, Kamilla Cardoso.

The conflict ignited when Cardoso retaliated against LSU's Flau'jae Johnson's aggressive play by pushing her to the ground, an action that led to players from both benches entering the fray. The situation escalated further when a spectator, identified as Johnson's brother by ESPN, leapt over the scorer's table to join the melee before being restrained by security personnel.

After an extensive review of the altercation, which lasted around 20 minutes, game officials decided to eject Cardoso for her involvement in the fight, along with any player who had left the bench area during the incident. The ejections left LSU with just five players able to continue—Johnson, Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith, Mikaylah Williams, and Aneesah Morrow—while South Carolina was left with six—MiLaysia Fulwiley, Ashlyn Watkins, Sania Feagin, Bree Hall, Raven Johnson, and Te-Hina Paopao.

Despite the chaos and being down to a limited roster, South Carolina managed to maintain their lead and secured the championship, with Fulwiley shining brightly and being named the tournament MVP.

Postgame, both teams' coaches and players expressed regret over the incident. South Carolina's head coach, Dawn Staley, offered an apology to the basketball community, emphasizing that the chaotic scenes were not reflective of the team's values. Cardoso also issued a personal apology through social media, taking full responsibility for her actions.

On the other side, LSU's head coach, Kim Mulkey, criticized Cardoso for her physicality against Johnson, pointing out the size difference between the two players and expressing her disdain for the violence that marred the game.

The NCAA rules dictate that Cardoso will be ineligible to play in South Carolina's next game, which is their first-round matchup in the NCAA tournament. This suspension could potentially impact the Gamecocks' quest for a perfect season and a national championship, a journey that remains undefeated thus far.

This victory over LSU marks South Carolina's second win against the Tigers this season, following a comeback victory in January. Despite the unsavory ending to the SEC championship game, both teams are looking ahead to the NCAA tournament, with South Carolina aiming to capitalize on their top seeding and LSU seeking to defend their national title as a likely No. 2 seed.

#usanewstoday #basketballhighlight #US
#uknewstoday #usasoftball
#nfl #sportsnews #usa #basketball #usanews #australia #bowl #news #topnews
#Adrama-filled #SECchampionship