Kim Mulkey has the LSU women's basketball program flying high to start the 2025-26 season. The Tigers completed their non-conference slate in dominating fashion, going a perfect 14-0 with an averaging margin of victory of 55.4 points per game. Their 108.0 points per game leads the nation, and they currently hold the No. 5 ranking in the latest AP Poll.
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However, LSU's non-conference schedule wasn't exactly a murderer's row. LSU's best win came at Duke in the SEC/ACC Challenge on December 4. LSU was tested early, but ultimately prevailed in a 16-point win. With the calendar set to flip to 2026, Mulkey is preparing her team for a tough stretch of games to begin SEC play.
No. 5 LSU is about to enter its toughest five-game stretch of the season. 🫣
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) December 30, 2025
Predict the Tigers’ record during this span. pic.twitter.com/zr7jrE68ng
LSU preparing for an uptick in competition during SEC play
With the start of conference play comes an uptick in competition for Mulkey and company. Four of LSU's next five opponents are ranked in the top-12 of the AP Poll. The conference slate begins with a matchup against No. 11 Kentucky on Thursday afternoon at the PMAC. Kentucky is 13-1 on the season with its only loss coming to No. 7 Maryland by eight points.
LSU then battles No. 12 Vanderbilt in Nashville on January 4. Then comes a second-consecutive road game with a trip to Georgia on January 8. Arguably the biggest game of the season for LSU takes place on January 11 when it hosts No. 2 Texas. LSU then heads to Norman to take on No. 8 Oklahoma on January 18. Needless to say, that is an extremely tough stretch to begin conference play.
The Tigers lead the nation in several major statistical categories, including points per game (108), field-goal percentage (55%), points per 100 possessions (131.5), offensive rebounds (285), and steals (228). LSU also possesses great depth, leading the nation with 50 bench points per game. A total of seven Tigers are averaging double-digit points per game, with MiLaysia Fulwiley and Flau'Jae Johnson leading the way with 15.1 points per game each.
The Tigers have looked invincible up to this point of the season, but the start of SEC play presents a tough challenge right out of the gate.