In Austin, Texas, on Thursday night, one of the best defenses in women’s college basketball took on one of the best offenses. Something had to give, and it did in the 4th quarter. Fifth-ranked LSU was outscored 20-11 in the final quarter and fell to 4th ranked Texas 77-64.
Mikayla Williams had 20 points to lead LSU, but she didn’t get much help. Flau’Jae Johnson had 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting. Jada Richard has been outstanding in SEC play, but she only had two points on 1-of-10 shooting.
How it happened: This was a competitive game through three quarters, but Texas’ defense was suffocating in the fourth quarter. LSU was just 3-of-9 from the field, and the Lady Tigers turned it over six times as Coach Kim Mulkey said her team lost their composure at times.
Key Stats: LSU turned it over 19 times; most of the turnovers were from their perimeter players. MiLaysia Fulwiley had six turnovers, and Johnson had five turnovers.
Coach Kim Mulkey also said poor shot selection by their guards was also a problem. LSU shot 42% from the field.
The Lady Tigers have depth, but Texas outscored LSU’s bench 34-24.
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What it means: The loss snaps LSU’s seven-game winning streak. The Lady Tigers are 7-3 in the SEC, and it will be difficult for them to win their first SEC regular-season title since 2008 with three losses.
Up Next: LSU will host Auburn at 1 PM on Sunday. Auburn lost to Florida 61-53 on Thursday to fall to 2-8 in league play. Mulkey says LSU will face more pressure defense from Auburn.
After Auburn, LSU hosts South Carolina on Valentine’s Day night!