Kim Mulkey led LSU to a victory over Middle Tennessee State, securing their spot in the Sweet 16 next weekend. Despite Mulkey’s insistence that it was business as usual for the team, her recent outburst and threat to sue The Washington Post drew significant attention. In the game against Middle Tennessee State, LSU struggled early on but managed to pull away in the second half, ultimately winning with a score of 83-56. This victory comes after an intense game against Rice in the opening round, raising concerns about LSU’s dominance despite their double-digit wins.
Middle Tennessee State initially posed a threat to LSU, taking a four-point lead into halftime and starting the third quarter with a 5-0 burst. However, the Blue Raiders struggled to maintain their momentum, scoring only 13 points in the third period. LSU capitalized on this opportunity, going on a 17-4 run in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Flau’jae Johnson and Angel Reese led the Tigers in scoring, with Johnson contributing 21 points and Reese adding 20 points and 11 rebounds. Despite their success, LSU has not displayed the dominance expected of them, prompting speculation about their ability to progress further in the tournament.
Kim Mulkey’s controversial remarks about an upcoming article from The Washington Post have added to the distractions surrounding the LSU program. Mulkey threatened legal action against the newspaper, claiming that they were in contact with former disgruntled players of hers. While details about the article remain unknown, Mulkey’s combative stance has raised questions about her focus on coaching the team. With the Sweet 16 approaching, LSU will face either Creighton or UCLA, presenting a challenging matchup for the Tigers. Mulkey’s emotional outburst and ongoing distractions may impact the team’s performance as they strive for another Final Four appearance.
Despite the tumultuous circumstances, LSU has the talent to advance in the tournament if they can maintain their composure and work together effectively. With key players like Johnson and Reese leading the way, the Tigers have the potential to overcome adversity and compete at a high level. Facing tough opponents in the Sweet 16, LSU will need to channel their energy into on-court success and block out external disturbances. As the team navigates through the tournament, Mulkey’s leadership will be crucial in guiding them towards their goals and maintaining their competitive edge.
