The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team is off to its best start under Coach Kim Mulkey, showing remarkable performance in nonconference play. The team is currently ranked No. 5 and boasts an impressive record of 13 wins and no losses. As they prepare to face Alabama State in their final nonconference game, they are setting the stage for the upcoming Southeastern Conference (SEC) battles.
Dominant Performance This Season
This season marks a significant improvement for the Tigers over previous years. They are leading the nation in several key statistics, including:
- Points per game: 107.9
- Average margin of victory: 54.4 points
- Field-goal percentage: 55%
- Offensive rebounding rate: 56%
- 3-point shooting percentage: 40% (4th nationally)
- Steals per game: 15.5 (5th nationally)
LSU’s per-possession efficiency is equally impressive. They lead the country in both points scored and points allowed per 100 possessions, with a differential of 65.5 points. This mark significantly surpasses the previous best in Mulkey’s tenure. Last season’s championship team averaged a differential of 58.8 points per 100 possessions.
Record-Breaking Scoring Outings
In the first 13 games, LSU’s scoring output is unmatched. The team has achieved 100-point games in 10 of those contests, a feat that has not been matched by any other Division I team this season. Historically, during Mulkey’s first four years, the Tigers surpassed the century mark only seven times in total.
Seven players are currently averaging double-digit points, showcasing the strength and depth of the roster. Among these contributors are all three transfers and two freshmen, Grace Knox and ZaKiyah Johnson. Knox expressed surprise at how well the team has gelled, both on and off the court.
Room for Improvement
Despite their success, Coach Mulkey has emphasized the importance of improving defensive performance. Following a challenging game where Duke scored 77 points against them, the Tigers are focusing on tightening their defense. However, they are statistically on track for their best defensive start in five years.
Johnson remains optimistic about the team’s capabilities, stating that they are well-prepared but still have work ahead of them. As the Tigers look to transition into the SEC schedule, their dominant nonconference performance has set high expectations for the season.
