Sunday’s near-mess game between LSU and South Carolina was the very boiling point of a heated game between the SEC rivals.
The SEC Women’s Basketball Conference title game featured plenty of physical moments, including a battle between LSU star Angel Reese and South Carolina’s Camila Cardoso.
With just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the game appeared to be at its climax, but Cardoso’s aggressive reaction cleared the bench and caused the LSU player’s younger brother to burst onto the court.
However, the fight between Reese and Cardoso was an appetizer as both men fought during the match.
ESPN’s cameras caught the two jockeying for position during a particularly aggressive point, but Cardoso was smiling throughout and the pair locked their jaws together.
Late in the game, Reese made matters worse by pulling Cardoso’s hair, but officials apparently didn’t see it happen and the violation was no-called.
Cardoso nudged Reese on the back late in the game, and the LSU star retaliated with an elbow in the second quarter, which the referee caught and earned Reese and an intentional foul.
In the end, Cardoso was at the center of the melee at the end of the match and was one of several players sent off.
She apologized for her actions after the match.
“I sincerely apologize for my actions during today’s game.” Cardoso wrote to X. “My actions do not represent me personally or the South Carolina program, and I deeply regret the offense and inconvenience they caused. I take full responsibility for my actions and will continue to do so to the fullest extent possible.” We are committed to conducting ourselves with respect and sportsmanship.”
After the game, Reese posted an X with “Tigers” and a kiss emoji.
Due to the fighting penalty, Cardoso will be ineligible to compete in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
South Carolina is expected to be the No. 1 seed in this year’s tournament.
After the game, Reese posted an X with “Tigers” and a kiss emoji.
