Final score of Tennessee vs. LSU: Mulkey, Tigers win a close SEC game

Tennessee vs. LSU: A Nail-Biting SEC Showdown (82-77)

On February 9, 2025, the LSU Tigers defeated the Tennessee Lady Volunteers 82-77 in a thrilling Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The game was a high-stakes affair, with both teams competing fiercely for supremacy in the SEC standings. Head coach Kim Mulkey’s Tigers were able to hold off a resilient Tennessee squad, powered by strong individual performances and strategic adjustments, to claim a hard-fought victory.

This game was pivotal for both teams, as LSU, the No. 6 ranked team in the nation, continued their quest for a top-tier position in the SEC and NCAA Tournament seeding, while Tennessee, ranked No. 19, aimed to build momentum after a series of strong performances earlier in the season.

Pre-Game Build-Up

Both teams entered the game with high expectations. LSU had been dominating the SEC, with only one loss on the season, and they were in the midst of a strong campaign led by standout players like Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, and Kailyn Gilbert. Meanwhile, Tennessee, though not as dominant, had showcased their talent and depth in a competitive conference, relying on the leadership of Jordan Horston, Jasmine Powell, and the steady presence of key role players.

Tennessee had been struggling slightly in the SEC with a few losses that kept them from reaching the top of the standings, while LSU was looking to solidify their position as a national contender. For Tennessee, this game was seen as a must-win to stay competitive in the conference race and to build their case for a favorable NCAA Tournament seed.

The Game Begins: A Back-and-Forth First Half

The first half of the game set the stage for what would become a classic SEC battle. LSU started the game with a strong offensive burst, using a mix of fast breaks and sharp shooting to establish an early lead. At the 6:30 mark of the second quarter, the Tigers were ahead 33-24, showcasing their ability to dominate both ends of the floor. However, Tennessee wasn’t intimidated.

Led by their star guard, Jordan Horston, Tennessee clawed their way back into the game. Horston hit several key shots, including a couple of three-pointers, to reduce LSU’s lead to a manageable margin. As the clock wound down toward halftime, Tennessee’s defense started to tighten up, and the Lady Volunteers went on a 8-2 run to cut the Tigers’ lead to just three points, 35-32, at the break.

Third Quarter: The Resurgence of Kailyn Gilbert

The second half opened with both teams showing an intensified desire to win. For Tennessee, the adjustment was clear: they wanted to push the ball in transition and exploit LSU’s vulnerabilities on defense. On the other hand, LSU, recognizing their need to match Tennessee’s energy, made strategic changes to give their best players more opportunities to shine.

One player who answered the call for LSU was Kailyn Gilbert, the Tigers’ dynamic guard. She came out of the locker room in the third quarter with fire in her eyes, scoring an incredible 15 points in the period. Gilbert’s scoring burst was essential to LSU regaining control of the game, as she drained three consecutive three-pointers to push LSU ahead.

Despite her heroics, Gilbert wasn’t alone in making an impact. LSU’s other stars, Flau’jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow, also played pivotal roles in helping LSU re-establish their lead. Morrow, in particular, showcased her rebounding ability, securing several critical boards and keeping the Lady Volunteers from gaining second-chance opportunities. Johnson, despite some foul trouble, managed to add key points and play solid defense.

Tennessee wasn’t willing to back down, however. The Lady Volunteers continued to push the tempo, with Jasmine Powell and Horston keeping the scoreline close. At the end of the third quarter, LSU held a slim five-point advantage, leading 62-57.

The Final Quarter: A Thrilling Finish

As the fourth quarter unfolded, Tennessee’s resilience continued to shine. The Lady Volunteers, led by Horston, made a late push, cutting LSU’s lead to just two points with less than two minutes remaining. With the game on the line, every possession became crucial. The atmosphere in Baton Rouge was electric, as fans from both sides were on the edge of their seats, aware that the next few minutes would determine the outcome of this SEC battle.

LSU, however, displayed poise under pressure. Despite the offensive surge from Tennessee, LSU maintained their composure and relied on clutch performances from key players. Gilbert, who had been unstoppable in the third quarter, came through in the final moments with a pair of crucial free throws, effectively sealing the win for the Tigers. Tennessee had no chance to recover after that, and LSU secured the victory, 82-77.

Key Performances

• Kailyn Gilbert (LSU): The standout player of the game, Gilbert poured in 23 points, including 15 in the third quarter. Her shooting was exceptional, and her timely baskets allowed LSU to regain control of the game and eventually hold on to the lead.
• Flau’jae Johnson (LSU): Although she faced foul trouble for much of the game, Johnson was still able to contribute 12 points and provide leadership on both ends of the floor. Her defensive presence was vital in limiting Tennessee’s scoring options late in the game.
• Aneesah Morrow (LSU): Morrow was dominant on the boards, finishing with 14 rebounds to go along with 14 points. Her physicality and ability to control the paint were crucial in LSU’s victory.
• Mikaylah Williams (LSU): Williams contributed 16 points and 7 assists, tying her career-high in assists and making important plays when LSU needed them most.
• Jordan Horston (Tennessee): Horston was a standout for Tennessee, finishing with 22 points. She kept her team competitive throughout the game, especially in the second half when Tennessee tried to claw their way back into the contest.
• Jasmine Powell (Tennessee): Powell added 15 points and showed why she’s one of the top players for the Lady Volunteers. Her offensive contribution kept Tennessee in the game despite their struggles on defense.

Coaching Impact: Kim Mulkey’s Tactical Decisions

Coach Kim Mulkey’s ability to adjust on the fly was critical in this game. Facing adversity with key players in foul trouble and a highly competitive opponent in Tennessee, Mulkey made several key decisions that helped LSU regain control of the game in the second half.

One of the most significant tactical moves was the decision to rely on Gilbert’s scoring in the third quarter, a move that allowed LSU to regain a lead they would not relinquish. Additionally, Mulkey’s decision to rotate players in and out of the lineup kept fresh legs on the floor, especially when Tennessee attempted to increase the tempo. The depth of LSU’s roster, along with Mulkey’s experience, played a major role in LSU’s success in closing out the game.

Implications for the SEC Standings

With this win, LSU improved to 25-1 on the season, maintaining their lead at the top of the SEC standings with a 10-1 conference record. The victory also marked an important milestone for the Tigers, as they had never before beaten Tennessee twice in a single season. This victory reinforced LSU’s position as one of the top teams in the country, and they will likely be in the conversation for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Tennessee, on the other hand, fell to 17-6 on the season and dropped to 4-6 in SEC play. Despite the loss, the Lady Volunteers showed that they are still a formidable team, with the talent to compete with the best in the conference. The defeat, however, was a setback for Tennessee’s NCAA Tournament aspirations, as they will need to regroup and perform well in the remaining games of the season to secure a favorable seed.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the SEC Tournament and Beyond

Both teams will continue their SEC campaigns, with LSU looking to maintain their dominance and Tennessee hoping to bounce back from this close loss. LSU’s upcoming games will be crucial in securing their spot at the top of the SEC standings and positioning themselves for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Tennessee, meanwhile, will need to regroup and find ways to adjust their defense, which struggled to contain LSU’s offensive firepower, especially in the third quarter. Their next few games will be critical for their NCAA Tournament positioning, and the team will be looking for leadership from players like Horston and Powell to carry them through the rest of the season.

 A Classic SEC Battle

The Tennessee vs. LSU game on February 9, 2025, was a thrilling and hard-fought contest that showcased the intensity and competitiveness of SEC women’s basketball. Both teams left it all on the court, with LSU emerging victorious by a narrow 82-77 margin. The performances of Kailyn Gilbert, Flau’jae Johnson, and Aneesah Morrow were pivotal for LSU, while Tennessee’s Jordan Horston and Jasmine Powell were instrumental in keeping the game close.

This game was a testament to the growth of both programs and the fierce competition in the SEC. As the season moves forward, both teams will continue to work toward their goals: LSU aiming for a No. 1 seed and Tennessee striving to improve their positioning in the tournament. The victory for LSU and the close loss for Tennessee both speak volumes about the caliber of play in the SEC, and this contest will be remembered as one of the season’s defining moments.

With such high stakes and intense competition, it’s clear that the SEC remains one of the toughest and most exciting conferences in women’s college basketball. The road ahead promises even more thrilling matchups, and the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in recent history.