LSU women’s basketball continues its winning streak, burning Mississippi State for an SEC victory on home turf

February 3, 2025 – Baton Rouge, LA
In a thrilling SEC matchup on a raucous night in Baton Rouge, LSU Women’s Basketball extended their winning streak to an impressive 10 games with a dominant 86-61 victory over Mississippi State. The win not only kept the Tigers atop the SEC standings but also showcased their depth, skill, and unrelenting defense as they continue to prove why they are one of the nation’s most dangerous teams.

Setting the Stage: The LSU Tigers’ Strong Season So Far

The LSU Tigers (20-2, 8-0 SEC) entered the game riding high on a 9-game win streak, including a string of dominant victories in conference play. Led by head coach Kim Mulkey, who has revitalized the program since taking over in 2021, LSU has been playing a brand of basketball that has earned them national recognition. With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and emerging young stars, LSU’s balance and intensity have made them one of the favorites to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament this spring.

In contrast, Mississippi State (13-8, 3-5 SEC) came into the contest struggling to find consistency in SEC play. After a solid non-conference stretch, the Bulldogs had faced a difficult series of games, resulting in a sub-.500 record in the league. However, Mississippi State boasts a tough roster led by veteran players, and the team came into Pete Maravich Assembly Center hoping to pull off an upset against the highly-ranked Tigers.

Despite the challenges, the Bulldogs were ready to take on the defending SEC champions in one of the most hostile environments in college basketball.

First Half: LSU’s High-Octane Offense Takes Control

From the opening tip, LSU wasted no time setting the tone. The Tigers’ offense, led by star guard Alexis Morris, was in full flow. Morris, who has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the country this season, wasted no time asserting her dominance. She opened the scoring for LSU with a quick mid-range jumper, igniting the crowd and setting the stage for what would be an electrifying performance.

LSU’s aggressive approach on offense was immediately evident. The Tigers were pushing the pace, running the floor with precision, and making quick passes to find open shots. Forward Angel Reese, a transfer from Maryland, was a force inside, using her size and skill to dominate the paint. Reese’s ability to finish around the basket and draw fouls made her nearly impossible to stop, and Mississippi State found themselves struggling to contain her as the first half unfolded.

The Bulldogs tried to counter with their own inside game, led by forward Jessika Carter, but LSU’s defense proved to be too much. The Tigers were relentless on the boards, and their size and length disrupted Mississippi State’s offensive flow. LSU was able to build an early lead thanks to a series of fast-break points, with Morris and Reese often linking up to create easy baskets in transition.

As the first quarter drew to a close, LSU had already opened up a 10-point lead, 26-16. The crowd at Pete Maravich Assembly Center was in full support, providing an electric atmosphere that helped fuel the Tigers’ strong start.

In the second quarter, LSU continued to pour it on, with Morris controlling the tempo and making plays all over the floor. She demonstrated her ability to not only score but also facilitate for her teammates, dishing out several assists to Reese and forward LaDazhia Williams. LSU’s ball movement was crisp, and their shooting from beyond the arc was on point, with guard Flau’jae Johnson hitting a pair of threes to stretch the lead even further.

Mississippi State, on the other hand, struggled to get into a rhythm. While Carter managed to score in spurts, the Bulldogs were unable to string together consistent possessions. LSU’s swarming defense, led by Reese and Williams, forced Mississippi State into a number of difficult shots, and the Tigers were able to capitalize on the Bulldogs’ mistakes.

By halftime, LSU had extended their lead to 47-30, and it was clear that they were in complete control. Mississippi State would need to make some adjustments in the second half if they hoped to mount a comeback.

Second Half: Mississippi State Fights, But LSU’s Dominance Prevails

The second half began with Mississippi State showing signs of life. The Bulldogs came out with a more aggressive mindset, trying to push the ball up the court and create scoring opportunities in transition. Carter, who had been quiet for most of the first half, started to find some rhythm, hitting a few mid-range jumpers and drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line.

Despite the Bulldogs’ push, LSU’s defense remained suffocating. The Tigers did an excellent job of closing out on shooters and contesting every shot. Morris continued to score efficiently, and Reese remained a matchup nightmare in the paint, using her strength and footwork to finish around defenders.

As the third quarter wore on, LSU began to pull away once again. The Tigers’ depth was on full display, as Mulkey rotated players in and out of the lineup without losing any momentum. Freshman forward Jada Walker provided a spark off the bench, contributing both defensively and offensively with key steals and fast-break finishes. LSU’s bench has been one of the deepest in the SEC, and the Tigers’ ability to keep fresh legs on the floor has been a major factor in their success.

With just a few minutes remaining in the third quarter, LSU had built their largest lead of the game, 67-46. Mississippi State, although playing with heart and determination, had no answer for LSU’s superior talent and execution. The Bulldogs continued to battle, but every time they made a run, LSU responded with a big shot or defensive stop.

By the time the final quarter arrived, it was clear that the game was all but decided. Mississippi State had no answer for LSU’s balance, speed, and physicality, and the Tigers continued to pour it on in the final 10 minutes. Johnson, who had struggled with her shot earlier in the game, found her rhythm in the fourth quarter, knocking down a pair of threes and finishing strong at the rim. LSU’s lead swelled to over 20 points, and the home crowd roared as the Tigers coasted to an 86-61 victory.

Key Takeaways: LSU’s Complete Performance

This victory over Mississippi State demonstrated everything that makes LSU a championship contender. From the balanced scoring attack to the suffocating defense, the Tigers were firing on all cylinders.

1. Alexis Morris was the driving force for LSU, finishing the game with 20 points and 7 assists. Her ability to control the tempo and create opportunities for herself and her teammates was on full display. Morris is not only one of the best players in the SEC but also one of the most dynamic playmakers in the nation.
2. Angel Reese was a dominant presence in the paint, contributing 18 points and 12 rebounds. Her physicality and rebounding ability make her one of the most dangerous forwards in the country, and she continued to show why she is a preseason All-American.
3. Flau’jae Johnson provided a scoring spark off the bench, adding 14 points and hitting a pair of crucial threes. The freshman guard’s versatility gives LSU another weapon on the offensive end, and her defensive ability makes her an invaluable asset.
4. Defense and Depth were key for LSU. While their offense was impressive, their defense was just as critical. The Tigers forced Mississippi State into 18 turnovers and limited the Bulldogs to just 38% shooting from the field. LSU’s ability to rotate fresh players in and out of the lineup without losing defensive intensity was a huge advantage.

For Mississippi State, Jessika Carter finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Bulldogs competitive. The team struggled to find a rhythm offensively, and LSU’s defense made life difficult for them all night.

Looking Ahead: LSU’s Strong Position in the SEC

With the victory, LSU remains undefeated in SEC play, sitting atop the conference standings with an 8-0 record. Their 20-2 overall mark is a testament to their consistency and dominance, and the Tigers are now firmly in the conversation as one of the top teams in the country.

Coach Kim Mulkey continues to get the best out of her players, and with a balanced roster that includes star power and depth, LSU looks poised for another deep run in March. As the SEC season heats up, the Tigers will face more challenges, but if this game was any indication, LSU is more than capable of handling whatever comes their way.

Mississippi State, on the other hand, will need to regroup after this tough loss. With a challenging SEC schedule ahead, the Bulldogs will need to improve their execution on both ends of the floor if they hope to turn their season around and stay in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament bid.