After two losses to start the SEC season, the No. 12-ranked LSU women’s basketball team bounced back in a big way by handing No. 2-ranked Texas its first loss of the season. The Tigers upended the Longorns 70-65 Sunday, Jan. 11 at Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Mikaylah Williams had 20 points to lead five Tigers in double figures. Flau’jae Johnson, Jada Richard, ZaKiyah Johnson and MiLaysia Fulwiley added 10 points each. LSU (16-2, 2-2 SEC) led by as many as 13 points.
Madison Booker had 24 points, and Kyla Oldacre tallied 16 points and 16 rebounds for Texas (18-1, 3-1 SEC). Rori Harmon, who usually pairs with Booker for a Longhorns’ one-two punch, was held to two points.
“They were tougher than us today. This was our worst performance of the year.” Texas coach Vic Shaefer said.
Last week, after back-to-back SEC losses following a 14-0 start, it was LSU coach Kim Mulkey talking about toughness.
‘We’re not tough enough,’ Mulkey said after a loss to then-No. 12 Vanderbilt Commodores.
‘Toughness is either you have it, or you don’t, and we’re not tough enough. And that’s all the players in the locker room tonight. You’re not tough enough to make a play when you need it. You’re not tough enough to get that rebound when we need it. It’s not just one or two. It’s the whole locker room at different times.’
What a difference a week makes. LSU seems to have taken their coach’s message to heart.
Meghan L. Hall contributed to this report.