LSU-South Carolina women’s melee results in benches ejected, last 2 minutes played without subs
South Carolina #SouthCarolina
The SEC Women’s Tournament championship between undefeated South Carolina and LSU was marred by a melee which resulted in all bench players being ejected with 2 minutes left in the game.
The Gamecocks (32-0, 16-0) won their eighth SEC title in 10 years on Sunday with a 79-72 over the Tigers after a benches-clearing brawl led to the ejection of multiple players on each team.
“I just want to apologize to the basketball community,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. “When you’re playing a championship game like this in our league, things get heated. No bad intentions. Their emotions got so far ahead of them. Sometimes these thing happen. I want to apologize for us playing a part in that. That’s not who we are. That’s not what we are about.”
South Carolina forward Kamilla Cardoso was one of six players ejected after she shoved LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson to the floor.
Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley had stolen the ball from Johnson, who wrapped her up and was called for an intentional foul. Johnson bumped South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins while heading to her bench, and then the 6-foot-7 Cardoso rushed in and pushed the 5-10 Johnson to the ground.
In all, four South Carolina players were ejected and the Gamecocks had six remaining.
ESPN reports that all ejected players will miss the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Here’s the breakdown:
South Carolina’s Fulwiley stole the ball with the Gamecocks up 73-66 when LSU’s Johnson grabbed her from behind. Johnson then shoved Amani Bartlett. South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso came in and pushed Johnson to the ground.
Johnson’s teammate Hailey Van Lith rushed up and confronted Cardoso. By then, both teams’ bench players were on the court.
A fan hopped over the scorer’s table and was quickly followed by a police officer. The fan, who the ESPN broadcast identified as Johnson’s brother, was arrested and escorted off the court. Johnson’s mother was shown speaking with a police officer.
LSU falls to 28-5 and 13-3.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.