Extreme Louisiana Winter Ruins Women’s College Basketball’s Biggest Game as ESPN Provides Quick Solution

National Champions 2023 vs 2024. This was supposed to be the game of the season: the collision of titans for which basketball fans circled their calendars in advance. But instead of cheers in packed arenas, there was an eerie silence on the streets of Southern Louisiana. The region was blanketed by nearly a foot of snow from Winter Storm Enzo — an unwelcome visitor that upended plans. Residents who are used to balmy winters were left having to navigate icy roads and frozen landscapes, and the much-anticipated women’s college basketball showdown between No. 2 South Carolina and No. 5 LSU was no exception.

On January 22, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) confirmed the inevitable. After being pushed back from its original Thursday, January 23, 2025 date, it would now be postponed to Friday at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. It was no regular game, this was a coming together of two of the most dominant programs in women’s college basketball in recent years. The stakes were already high: South Carolina’s solid year and LSU’s undefeated season so far. The storm made it all that much more dramatic.

Questions remain, however, as to what the delay means for the players’ momentum and headspace heading into Friday’s rescheduled game. In response, ESPN stepped in rather quickly to ensure that the rescheduled event would grab the eager eyes of viewers who wanted to watch this big contest.

The delay might throw off travel schedules and practice plans, but it’s also added an extra layer of intrigue. Will the extra day help South Carolina fine tune their game plan? Or will LSU use it to tighten their defense and prepare to snap a 16-game losing streak against their rival? Either way, fans are bracing for a game to remember.

Whether it’s the stakes or the star power on the court, there are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t skip out on this matchup. Let’s break it down.

If you’re an LSU fan, you know the sting of playing South Carolina all too well. The Tigers haven’t beaten the Gamecocks since 2012, a 16-game losing streak that looms large over this matchup. But streaks are made to be broken. And with the talent LSU has put together this season, they might just do it.

For South Carolina, it’s about maintaining their legacy. For years they’ve been the team to beat and they’re not going to let a little snow — not to mention a hungry rival—distract them at all.

Why you can’t-miss this game

This game feels like a mini-championship because both teams have yet to lose an SEC game. South Carolina is ranked No. 2, LSU is No. 5, and both are gunning to solidify their spots in the national rankings. It’s not about bragging rights here, it’s about positioning for the postseason.

For LSU, a win would be monumental.With an impressive win streak, they’ve been on a roll. After a rare off night against UCLA in a nonconference game earlier this season, South Carolina is hellbent on keeping its grip on this matchup and getting rid of any looming question marks.

It’s a battle of coaching brilliance. Dawn Staley and Kim Mulkey are two of the best in the business. And they always know when to make that game-changing adjustment. The players’ performances will obviously be as important as their strategies will be. But fans should expect a hard-fought, physical game. The playing field will level a bit, given the South Carolina height advantage, but LSU’s aggressive rebounding could offset it. It’s a tactical chess match, and both coaches know what’s at stake.

It’s not just a basketball game, that’s a story about resilience, rivalry and how you rise to the occasion. Go grab some popcorn, give yourself a full night, and prepare to watch some women’s college basketball at its finest. When the ball finally tips off, you’ll want to be watching.