LSU's ninth-ranked women's basketball team defeated Texas Southern 131-22 on Thursday night, setting the record for the largest win in women's Division I history against a Division I opponent.
Record-Breaking Performance
The previous record was Baylor's 140-32 win over Winthrop in 2016, coached by Kim Mulkey, now LSU's head coach. On Thursday, the Tigers ripped off a 50-0 run during the second and third quarters to punctuate the rout. Seven players scored in double figures for LSU, including Iowa State transfer Jada Williams (18 points) and freshman Anna Minaeca (21 points). "This is the best team I've ever played on," Williams said. "So, I'm just out there having the time of my life."
Dominant Defensive Effort
In the second quarter, Texas Southern went 0 of 13 from the field and 0 of 7 from the 3-point line while committing nine turnovers. LSU went on a 40-0 run in that frame, the second-largest single-quarter run in women's college basketball since the NCAA went to a four-quarter format in 2015-16. The halftime score was 65-13 and 95-16 after the third quarter. Texas Southern shot 15% from the floor while LSU finished at 60%, including 9 of 20 from the perimeter.
Honoring Angel Reese
The game honored former LSU standout and WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese, the 2022 national champion. Reese took center court at halftime inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center before returning to her courtside seat. Mulkey said Reese's legacy helps recruit players: "They [LSU players] can be Angel one day... Everybody's got to have somebody they look up to." Reese called the night nostalgic: "I got the Bayou Barbie name here and was able to grow my brand here, but also as a basketball player. This is home."
