“This isn’t the biggest game of the year. Y’all might think it is, but it’s not.” This is what Kim Mulkey said after her LSU Tigers lost to Dawn Staley’s #2 South Carolina Gamecocks 56-66 at the Colonial Life Arena, the home of the Gamecocks. Joyce Edwards and Sania Feagin combined to score 26 points and 11 rebounds to help the defending champions edge past the 2023 champion.
In the post-game conference, Mulkey was seen hailing South Carolina as the best team in the country. She said, “I learned we can hang with the best in the country. And I do think they’re the best in the country.” There’s no doubt about Dawn Staley and her credentials as the Gamecocks are currently ranked 2nd in the country, but this loss came at a cost for the Tigers.
Despite regrouping and coming back to win the game against Texas A&M 64-51 at home, thanks to Flau’jae Johnson’s 22 points which included 8 points in the fourth quarter. Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers received a huge blow in the latest AP rankings.
Mar 3, 2023; Greenville, SC, USA; LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey talks with guard Flau’jae Johnson (4) in the first quarter against the Georgia Lady Bulldogs at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
LSU took a bit of a tumble in the AP rankings, dropping two spots to No. 7 after a mixed weekend. But the big news in this poll is the return of Vanderbilt. The Commodores have cracked the Top 25 for the first time in 11 years. Meanwhile, UCLA and South Carolina continue to dominate, holding steady at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots respectively.
The Tigers remain in the hunt for the top seeds as they head into a new week with renewed optimism of getting back into the mix. Let’s take a look at who they face next!
What’s next for Kim Mulkey’s Tigers?
Having lost just one game all season, the Tigers aren’t in a bad spot despite the slip in rankings. In fact, before their loss to South Carolina, they were the only unbeaten team left in the country. Boasting an impeccable 21-1 overall record with a 6-1 SEC record, Mulkey knows there’s still a lot to play for!
The Tigers have two home games ahead, and both are winnable! ESPN gives LSU a 74.2% chance to defeat 13th-seed Oklahoma and a strong 87.6% chance to take down Mississippi State. Kim Mulkey will be hoping for a much smoother week to get her team back on track and climbing the rankings! You can watch the Oklahoma game on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. CT and the Mississippi State on SEC Network at 1 p.m. CT.
After a tough loss to South Carolina, LSU experienced a small blip in their otherwise stellar season. However, with winnable games ahead, Kim Mulkey’s Tigers are ready to bounce back and climb the rankings once more. Stay tuned for more LSU updates!
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