SEC Women’s Basketball Power Rankings: South Carolina Dominates, Tennessee Slides – Feb. 18, 2026

The South Carolina Gamecocks secured a crucial victory over the LSU Tigers on Saturday, February 14th, extending their winning streak against LSU to 18 games. The February 15th match, held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, saw South Carolina emerge victorious with a final score of 79-72, solidifying their position atop the Southeastern Conference standings.

The win is particularly significant for South Carolina (25-2, 11-1 SEC), as it maintains their sole lead in the conference and likely diminishes LSU’s (22-4, 8-4 SEC) chances of securing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The game was a tightly contested affair, with neither team establishing a double-digit lead throughout the entirety of the match. LSU initially took the lead in the first quarter, 21-16, but South Carolina rallied to enter halftime with a narrow 41-40 advantage.

Despite trailing for the majority of the second half, LSU repeatedly narrowed the gap, coming within one point on multiple occasions during the fourth quarter. A late opportunity to tie the game hinged on free throws from Flau’jae Johnson, but her missed attempts proved costly. South Carolina capitalized, securing the win in a game described by coach Dawn Staley as “very NCAA Tournament-like.”

This victory marks Staley’s 500th career win with the South Carolina program, a milestone celebrated by the team and fans alike. Staley acknowledged the team’s heightened focus as the season nears its conclusion, stating, “I think this team sees the end of the tunnel, meaning they know we are at the end of the season. So it’s a little bit easier to just focus in on what we have in front of us.”

The Gamecocks’ offensive efforts were spearheaded by Tessa Johnson, who scored 21 points, and Raven Johnson, who contributed with 19. For LSU, Flau’jae Johnson led the scoring with 21 points, while Mikaylah Williams added 11.

The competitive nature of the game was underscored by the fact that LSU missed 10 layups and nine free throws, opportunities that could have significantly altered the outcome. South Carolina, however, demonstrated resilience, particularly in the second quarter where they shot 5-for-9 from the three-point line.

Beyond the immediate implications for tournament seeding, the game highlights the growing intensity of competition within the SEC. The conference, as noted in recent power rankings, is experiencing a dynamic shift, with Vanderbilt also emerging as a strong contender. The outcome of upcoming games will be crucial in determining the SEC champion and the overall landscape of women’s college basketball.

Looking ahead, LSU will face Ole Miss on Thursday in Oxford, Mississippi, with the game televised on ESPN. South Carolina will continue its pursuit of the SEC title, aiming to maintain its current lead and capitalize on its momentum as the regular season draws to a close. The game against LSU was a significant test for South Carolina, and their ability to overcome a challenging road environment suggests they are well-prepared for the pressures of the postseason.

The victory also comes at a time when women’s basketball is gaining increased visibility, with the South Carolina-LSU game being broadcast on ABC for the first time in the sport’s history. This increased exposure is contributing to the growing popularity of the game and attracting a wider audience.

Madina Okot contributed a double-double for South Carolina with 12 points and 17 rebounds, further demonstrating the team’s balanced attack. The Gamecocks’ ability to rely on multiple scoring options and strong rebounding will be key to their success in the coming weeks.

The SEC standings are becoming increasingly competitive, with several teams vying for position. Vanderbilt’s recent success, including a victory over Texas, has propelled them up the rankings, while Texas and Tennessee are also in contention. The outcome of upcoming games will be critical in determining the final standings and the seeding for the NCAA Tournament.