LSU Tigers Triumph Over Tennessee Lady Volunteers
In a decisive performance on Thursday night, the sixth-ranked LSU Tigers triumphed over the Tennessee Lady Volunteers with a final score of 89-73, showcasing a strong second-half effort. Mikaylah Williams stood out with an impressive stat line of 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, and notably became the 17th player in the history of LSU basketball to reach the milestone of 1,500 career points, achieving this feat with a jumper midway through the third quarter.
Game Highlights
The Tigers, who now boast a record of 25 wins and 4 losses (11-4 in SEC play), also benefited from significant contributions from MiLaysia Fulwiley, who netted 18 points, and ZiKayah with 14 points. Grace Knox and Flau’jae Johnson added 13 and 10 points respectively, allowing LSU to establish a lead of up to 18 points during the game.
For Tennessee, which fell to 16-11 overall and 8-7 in conference play, Jaida Civil led the charge with 17 points, while Nya Robertson and Talaysia Cooper contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively. Despite hitting 11 three-pointers — marking the Lady Vols’ fourth consecutive game with at least 10 from beyond the arc — their efforts were not enough to end their current losing streak, which now stands at five.
Turning Point of the Game
The game saw Tennessee briefly lead by six points in the second quarter, but a crucial sequence of back-to-back three-pointers from Fulwiley ignited a 14-0 run by the Tigers, swinging the momentum firmly in their favor. Williams capped off this surge with a layup, putting LSU ahead at 32-24.
Tennessee managed to reclaim a slim lead through Robertson’s three-pointer, but a late layup from Williams brought LSU back on top as they entered halftime with a narrow 43-42 edge. The second half proved pivotal as LSU gradually extended their lead. Fulwiley’s interception of a pass led to a quick reverse layup, pushing the score to 61-52, and subsequently, another Tennessee turnover allowed Williams to score again, widening the gap to 66-52.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Tennessee will conclude its regular season against No. 5 Vanderbilt on Sunday, while LSU prepares to face Mississippi State in their final game of the season.
