WBB News: Coach Dawn Staley and South Carolina are set to take on former Gamecock MiLaysia Fulwiley and the LSU Tigers in a highly anticipated Valentine’s Day matchup in Baton Rouge.
Coach Dawn Staley and her powerhouse South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most electrifying matchups of the 2025 women’s college basketball season: a Valentine’s Day showdown in Baton Rouge against the LSU Tigers. But this game isn’t just another highly ranked SEC clash—it carries layers of drama, history, and emotional intrigue that transcend the hardwood.
At the heart of the narrative is MiLaysia Fulwiley, a dynamic guard whose dazzling style of play made her one of the most exciting young stars in college basketball. Fulwiley spent her freshman year lighting up Colonial Life Arena as a South Carolina Gamecock, dazzling fans and drawing praise from analysts and NBA players alike for her flashy handles, fearless drives, and highlight-reel passes. However, in a move that stunned much of the women’s basketball world, she entered the transfer portal during the offseason and landed at SEC rival LSU—a team South Carolina has shared a tense, competitive rivalry with in recent years.
Fulwiley’s decision to transfer was met with a range of emotions—surprise, speculation, and for some fans, disappointment. After all, she was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and was seen by many as the hometown hero destined to carry on the Gamecocks’ legacy. But in the new era of NIL deals, increased player mobility, and evolving team dynamics, her move was also emblematic of the changing landscape of college basketball. While South Carolina fans may feel a sense of betrayal or loss, others see her transfer as a young player making the best choice for her personal growth and career development.
Now, with Fulwiley wearing the purple and gold of LSU, the storyline becomes even more layered. On February 14th, in the heart of SEC play, she will face her former team and her former coach—a woman she once praised as a mentor—on LSU’s home court. The emotional stakes are as high as the athletic ones. Not only is this a battle between two elite programs with national championship aspirations, but it’s also a confrontation charged with personal history, competitive pride, and the eyes of the basketball world.
Coach Dawn Staley, a figure synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball, has remained composed and focused amid the media attention surrounding Fulwiley’s departure. Known for her ability to adapt, motivate, and develop talent, Staley hasn’t commented extensively on Fulwiley’s decision, but her silence speaks volumes. Instead of dwelling on who left, she has doubled down on developing the roster she has—one that still brims with talent, depth, and experience. As usual, Staley has her Gamecocks playing suffocating defense, unselfish offense, and disciplined basketball, traits that have become hallmarks of the South Carolina program.
Still, there’s no denying that this particular game carries extra weight for everyone involved. For Fulwiley, it’s a chance to prove that she made the right decision, that she can thrive outside of the shadow of her hometown and former teammates. For Staley and the Gamecocks, it’s an opportunity to show that the culture they’ve built is stronger than any one player—and that no matter who transfers, they’re still the team to beat in the SEC.
For LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, acquiring Fulwiley was a major coup. Mulkey, never one to shy away from big personalities or big storylines, knows that Fulwiley’s flair and talent bring a new dimension to her team. LSU has consistently attracted top talent in the last few years, and Fulwiley’s addition only reinforces their standing as a national title contender. With a roster that already includes some of the most physically gifted and offensively potent players in the country, Fulwiley’s creativity and playmaking may be the spark that helps LSU get over the hump in critical moments—especially in games like this one.
There’s also the broader context of the South Carolina–LSU rivalry. Over the past few seasons, this has become one of the fiercest and most compelling matchups in women’s college basketball. Fueled by high-stakes games, passionate fan bases, and contrasting coaching styles, every meeting between these two programs has added another layer of intensity. South Carolina’s dominance in the SEC under Staley has been challenged more than once by Mulkey’s Tigers, but the Gamecocks have largely had the upper hand—most notably during their undefeated national championship run. That said, LSU’s roster reloads every year, and the Tigers are always just a few adjustments away from toppling anyone.
The Valentine’s Day timing only adds to the spectacle. It’s rare that a February game carries this much national attention, but this one is different. With a prime-time slot likely, national media coverage already buzzing, and fans of both programs preparing for what could feel like a postseason preview, the game is shaping up to be a must-watch event. For those who love storylines, it’s a goldmine: the star player facing her former team, two Hall of Fame coaches at the helm, and a game with massive implications for SEC standings and NCAA Tournament seeding.
South Carolina’s preparation for this game won’t deviate from Staley’s tried-and-true methods. She will emphasize defense, rebounding, and execution. And her players, many of whom are already tested under bright lights, will be ready. Whether it’s through the leadership of veteran returners or the emergence of new stars, the Gamecocks will show up in Baton Rouge with something to prove.
On the other side, Fulwiley will be eager to rise to the occasion. Known for her ability to thrive under pressure, she’s likely circling this date on the calendar just as much as anyone else. While the emotions of the game may be difficult to ignore, especially with familiar faces across the court, Fulwiley is also a competitor at her core. For her, this game is more than a reunion—it’s an opportunity to showcase her growth and lead her new team to a signature win.
But make no mistake: this won’t be a one-player showdown. Both teams are loaded with talent, depth, and experience. LSU’s frontcourt remains one of the most intimidating in the country, and their offensive firepower is second to none. South Carolina, meanwhile, continues to excel with balance, cohesion, and defensive intensity. It’s the classic clash between styles—flash vs. fundamentals, swagger vs. system—and fans are the real winners.
Beyond the court, this game will likely spark plenty of conversation around the transfer portal and its growing influence in college sports. Fulwiley’s move from South Carolina to LSU is just one high-profile example of the fluidity that now defines the collegiate athletic landscape. Some see it as empowering for student-athletes; others worry it threatens continuity and tradition. But no matter where you stand on the issue, there’s no denying that this new era creates matchups like this—matchups filled with intrigue, history, and anticipation.
There’s also something poetic about the timing. Valentine’s Day, a day traditionally associated with love, emotion, and connection, now serves as the backdrop for a game driven by competitive fire and the complicated emotions of departure and reunion. Fans in Baton Rouge will bring their usual energy, and it’s easy to imagine Colonial Life Arena faithful tuning in from Columbia with passionate interest—some cheering for their team, others perhaps with conflicted feelings about the former star now wearing rival colors.
In the end, what this game represents is the beauty of college basketball. The rivalries, the shifting allegiances, the emotional stakes—all of it combines to create something truly special. Whether you’re rooting for South Carolina to reinforce its dynasty, for LSU to take a step closer to supremacy, or just watching as a neutral fan of the game, this Valentine’s Day matchup has all the makings of a classic.
As tip-off draws near, the storylines will only intensify. Media coverage will dissect every angle, social media will buzz with speculation and excitement, and fans will count down the days until these two titans collide. For Dawn Staley, it’s a chance to affirm the enduring strength of her program. For Kim Mulkey, it’s an opportunity to show the nation that LSU is ready to dethrone the champs. And for MiLaysia Fulwiley, it’s a moment to redefine her legacy on her own terms.
No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: when South Carolina and LSU take the floor on February 14th, the basketball world will be watching.
