Despite South Carolina's earlier defeat to UCLA, Kim Mulkey hails Dawn Staley for building "best in the country" Gamecocks

Kim Mulkey praised her counterpart Dawn Staley after the South Carolina Gamecocks handed the fifth-ranked LSU Tigers their first loss of the season in their much-anticipated SEC clash at Colonial Life Arena on Friday. The Gamecocks came from behind to pull off the 66-56 win and record their 17th consecutive victory against the Tigers.

Mulkey lauded South Carolina in the postgame press conference, saying they are the best team in the nation despite losing to the top-ranked UCLA Bruins earlier this season.

A reporter asked the LSU coach what she learned from the Tigers in their clash against the second-ranked Gamecocks.

“I learned a lot about my team today. I learned we can hang with the best in the country and I do think they’re the best in the country,” Mulkey said (Timestamp 3:20).

Kim Mulkey then talked about the difficulties the Tigers faced when dealing with the Gamecocks' depth.

“I know UCLA put it on them but I do think [that]. Look, I don’t know that I’ve ever coached against a team that’s got 10 McDonald’s All-Americans on a roster. How do you even keep 10 on a roster?" Mulkey said.

"That’s what we faced today and what a challenge it was. It was an enjoyable game to coach in and man was it good for women’s basketball. But it was good for the SEC."

The Gamecocks showed their depth in the win against the Tigers with eight South Carolina players scoring at least five points. Joyce Edwards and Sania Feagin led their offense, scoring 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Tessa Johnson and MiLaysia Fulwiley provided the firepower off the bench, combining for 17 points, six rebounds and four steals.

Foul trouble dooms Kim Mulkey's LSU in loss to South Carolina

It didn't help matters for Kim Mulkey that her key LSU players got into foul trouble against South Carolina in the second half. Aneesah Morrow, who recorded her 19th double-double of the season, failed to finish the game after fouling out with 46.3 seconds left.

LSU Tigers guard Aneesah Morrow (#24) drives around South Carolina Gamecocks forward Chloe Kitts (#21) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Photo: Imagn

Flau'jae Johnson, who exploded for 11 points in the first half, picked up her fourth foul with 5:46 remaining in the fourth quarter. She had to sit for more than three minutes, leaving the Tigers without one of their main scoring threats in a crucial part of the final period. She struggled with her offense in the second half, scoring just two points on 1 of 5 shooting.