The LSU Tigers, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, came close to pulling off an impressive upset against No. 3 Texas but fell short in a 65-58 loss on Sunday afternoon. Despite holding a solid lead late in the game, LSU couldn’t execute in the crucial moments and eventually fell to the surging Longhorns.
Key Takeaways From Kim Mulkey’s Post-Game Comments
After the loss, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey gave her perspective on the game and the team’s performance.
“When we went to South Carolina and now to Texas, both were good ball games,” she said of the team’s two losses. “We were in ball games, had opportunities to possibly steal a victory, and we just didn’t get it done. And so you kind of evaluate, you have to execute and be extremely tough when it requires the toughness of you,” she continued.
Mulkey acknowledged that while the Tigers were competitive, they didn’t capitalize on their chances when it mattered most.
She was also asked about Texas coach Vic Schaefer’s comparison of his players, Kyla Oldacre and Taylor Jones. When asked how it compared to Brittney Griner as a player, Mulkey responded that Griner is one of a kind.
“I wouldn’t compare them. Brittney Griner’s on another level. That girl’s 6’8″, dunking it and everything else. No, I don’t, I don’t see the comparison, but I see him fighting for his kids, but no Griner’s way up there,” Mulkey said.
In addition to discussing the game, Mulkey shared her thoughts on the Moody Center, where LSU faced Texas. She was asked what she thought of the venue during her first visit.
“I haven’t seen all the Moody’s Center. I’d like someday to go up there and look around, but from what I saw on the floor at practice and what I saw during the game today, it looks like a venue that’s multi-purpose, not just a basketball arena,” Mulkey said.
She added that the Texas arena is a great place to coach a game.
“It looks like they have a lot of things that can take place in here, and I think that’s the new thing athletic directors are doing,” she said. “They are getting cities involved, and I don’t know how many times they get to use this venue for basketball, but it’s beautiful as far as, you know, just being a brand new facility.”
When the conversation shifted to free-throw shooting, Mulkey acknowledged the difference it made in the game.
“Well, both teams got to the foul line, [and] they made theirs, and we missed,” she said.
Texas was flawless at the line, going 21-of-21, while LSU struggled with missed free throws, which proved to be a key factor in the game’s outcome.
Texas’ Strong Finish Secures LSU Win
Despite a strong first half from LSU, the Tigers couldn’t close out the game, as Texas mounted a huge comeback in the second half. LSU built a 28-19 halftime lead thanks to solid defense and a dominant performance on the boards from guard Aneesah Morrow, who grabbed 15 rebounds in the first half alone.
Guard Flau’jae Johnson led LSU with nine points at halftime, and the Tigers held Texas to just 17.6% shooting in the second quarter.
However, LSU couldn’t maintain the momentum. The Longhorns started the third quarter on a 6-0 run, cutting the lead to three.
Texas eventually tied the game and began to press LSU defensively. LSU had a chance to extend their lead with a strong third-quarter finish, but guard Shayeann Day-Wilson missed a fast-break layup in the final seconds, and Texas capitalized with a tip-in to end the quarter, cutting the deficit to just five points.
Despite Johnson’s three-pointer to start the fourth quarter and LSU’s continued efforts, Texas went on a 9-0 run and took the lead, shutting down the Tigers offensively.
LSU had a solid 12-point lead with just under five minutes left in the game, but they couldn’t capitalize on their advantage. Texas increased its defensive pressure and gradually took control of the game.
The Tigers went scoreless for a significant stretch in the fourth quarter, allowing Texas to catch up and take a four-point lead. Johnson managed to score a putback to make it a three-point game, but LSU couldn’t execute down the stretch, and Texas held on to secure the win.
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Morrow finished with 15 points and 20 rebounds, marking her third 20-rebound game of the season, while Johnson and guard Mikaylah Williams contributed double-digit points. However, LSU’s bench was outscored 20-5, and the team’s free throw struggles ultimately hurt them.
The Tigers will need to regroup quickly as they face Georgia on Thursday in Baton Rouge, La. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
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