The 6th ranked LSU Lady Tigers entered Sunday’s Matchup with a massive opportunity to pick up another Top 25 opponent in the 19th ranked Tennessee Lady Volunteers. This week saw several teams ranked ahead of LSU fall meaning not only could LSU move up in the AP Poll but, with South Carolina losing it made the race for the SEC Regular Season Championship more interesting.
From the opening tip, this game was an all out war as when LSU got any momentum Tennessee was there with an answer while LSU was quick to answer any runs by the Lady Vols.
Right after LSU entered the 4th quarter with a lead, the Lady Vols took their defensive pressure to another level which spelled trouble for LSU early on. Once Kim Mulkey's team was able to get stops on the defensive end, they turned it into transition baskets on offense pushing the lead back to five. Just when LSU looked to be in trouble, the defense sparked offense for the Tigers and helped LSU to stretch its lead to eight points. Kim Mulkey's small ball lineup proved crucial down the closing stretch as it allowed LSU to beat Tennessee's full court press.
This game wasn't the Flau'Jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow show as LSU has come to expect but, Kailyn Gilbert and Mikaylah Williams stepped up. Kailyn Gilbert led the Tigers in scoring off the bench scoring 23 points shooting 46.66% from the field and 75% from three. Mikaylah Williams scored 16 points with 7 assists leading the Tigers starters.
In the fourth quarter, Aneesah Morrow made it happen for the Tigers cleaning up on the glass, getting stops, making and ones, and even starting fast breaks for the Tigers. Morrow finished the game with 14 points, 14 rebounds, a block, and a steal recording yet another double double. Flau'Jae Johnson didn't have her best game as Tennessee's defense zeroed in on her yet she scored 12 points.
The Lady Tigers will likely start next week off by jumping into the Top 5 in the AP Poll while joining Texas and South Carolina in a tie atop the SEC while Kentucky lingers at 8-1.