On Sunday Afternoon, the 7th ranked LSU Lady Tigers were set to face off against the 14th ranked Kentucky Wildcats in a massive Top 15 clash with implications on the NCAA Tournament and the SEC Tournament. The winner would secure one of the top four seeds in the SEC Tournament which means you need to win two less games than everyone else.
Early on it was clear that LSU didn't have their best game and Kentucky was able to make the Tigers pay for it. Kentucky slowed LSU's big three on defense and their offense attacked the glass creating second chance after second chance getting the Wildcats in a rhythm from three taking a 38-26 lead into the half.
Halftime came at the perfect time for LSU and when the second half started, LSU went on a quick 6-0 run to get right back into the game. The best development early on for LSU was that the Tigers were attacking inside drawing fouls which caused Kentucky to sit Dazia Lawrence and Clara Strack for extended stretches.
The third quarter was all LSU as the Tigers found their game on the defensive end and on the glass going on a 17-4 run to start the quarter which gave LSU its first lead of the day while winning the quarter 23-6.
The fourth quarter saw Kentucky put its pedal to the metal taking the lead back from LSU making it a back and fourth game down the stretch. Mikaylah Williams was excellent for the Tigers down the stretch hitting a clutch three pointer which put LSU firmly in control.
Mikaylah Williams was massive for the Tigers on Sunday scoring 24 points on 10-21 shooting with 5 rebounds, when the Tigers were struggling Williams caught fire first and helped keep LSU in contention. Flau'Jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow were right behind her with double doubles combining for 25 points and 24 rebounds.
Kim Mulkey's team showed a ton of resiliency in this game and being able to dominate in the second half the way that they did is a great sign heading into March.
The Big Picture for the LSU Women's Basketball team
The win officially clinches a top four seed in the SEC Tournament for the Lady Tigers which gives LSU a double bye in the SEC Tournament. LSU adds a Top 15 win to its already string resume on the same day that NC State shocked Notre Dame making LSU's win look even better. The Tigers remain firmly in line for a Two Seed in the NCAA Tournament and will have every chance to jump into a one seed during the SEC Tournament.