The Sweet 16 round of the women’s March Madness tournament has officially arrived. After massive back-to-back victories in the first rounds of the game against Presbyterian and UNC, the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks will take on the Indiana Hoosiers this afternoon at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. With a spot in the Elite Eight to be decided, odds have the top-ranked SEC team advancing to the next round.
A scuffle broke out during the SEC Women’s Tournament championship game between South Carolina and LSU, marring the game itself while impacting the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Gamecocks were up 73-66 with 2:08 remaining right before the brawl broke out. South Carolina freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley stole the ball from LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson, and with tensions high amid the physical game, Johnson grabbed Fulwiley, who walked away.
South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins approached the scene, and Johnson pushed her away. At this point, players started to gather and share their displeasure, and the benches cleared once South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso arrived and shoved Johnson to the ground.
Players ejected
· Janae Kent (LSU) — Leaving the bench
· Aalyah Del Rosario (LSU) — Leaving the bench
· Kamilla Cardoso (South Carolina) — Fighting
· Tessa Johnson (South Carolina) — Leaving the bench
· Chloe Kitts (South Carolina) — Leaving the bench
· Sakima Walker (South Carolina) — Leaving the bench
Flau’jae Johnson was not ejected; she was just given an intentional foul. Since Cardoso was ejected for fighting, she will not be allowed to play in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. All the other players ejected for leaving the bench will be allowed to play in the opening round.
