The LSU Tigers season has been a microcosm of what makes college basketball so captivating—triumphs, trials, and a relentless spirit of a team determined to leave its mark. As the No. 7-ranked Tigers prepare to host No. 13 Oklahoma in a highly anticipated matchup at the PMAC. From the steady flow of success on the court to the off-court headlines that have sparked conversations nationally.
A Season in Full Flow
Under the brilliantly tactical head coach Kim Mulkey, the team found its rhythm, blending a high-octane offense with a firm defense. Mulkey recently expressed her excitement about LSU's women's basketball signees, ZaKiyah Johnson and Grace Knox, who are selected for the McDonald's All-American Game. The PMAC has become a fortress, and Thursday's "Whiteout" game against Oklahoma promises to be another electric chapter in this season's history.
Flau'Jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow will join @SportsCenter live from LSU on Thursday! pic.twitter.com/CGHmwlV3ZA
— LSU Women's Basketball (@LSUwbkb) January 28, 2025
A Mishap That Stirred Up a Flurry of Reactions
A recent incident involving a song played during a game, tied to a personal tragedy involving LSU'S Flau'Jae Johnson's late father brought an emotional weight in the court. Johnson has handled the situation with grace, using it as fuel to elevate her game. The Gamecocks have since issued a statement and apologized for the incident suspending the DJ.
Statement from South Carolina Athletics pic.twitter.com/erarZ1BCjt
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) January 26, 2025
The Next Game: Predictions and Projections
As the Tigers gear up for their clash with Oklahoma Sooners, the game has massive stakes as two top 15 teams face off. Oklahoma, led by standout Reagan Beers, is expected to present a tough scoring threat for the Tigers. LSU's best average scorers per game: Flau'Jae Johnson being the highest with 19.7, followed by Aneesah Murrow and Mikaylah Williams. Morrow the defense is leading the nation in rebounding with 14 boards/ game, meanwhile, Williams' sharpshooting has been a reliable weapon for Kim Mulkey's offense. LSU is still working on finding its consistency struggling in back-to-back outings.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, arrives at the PMAC with their own exposed vulnerabilities. The Sooners have stumbled recently, particularly their losses to Texas and Mississippi State. Though, Sooners strengths lie in their rebounding and two-point shooting dominated by Beers'.
LSU, despite its recent shooting woes, should bounce back, especially on their home court. Look for the Tigers to secure a hard-fought victory, reigniting their offensive flow at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rogue at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.