Kim Mulkey Criticizes Refereeing After LSU’s Loss to Alabama: A Deep Dive into the Controversial Game

In a thrilling matchup between two of the top teams in women’s college basketball, the LSU Tigers fell 88-85 to the Alabama Crimson Tide on February 27, 2025. The game, which was already filled with high intensity, was marred by controversial officiating decisions that left LSU’s head coach, Kim Mulkey, vocal about her frustrations. While Alabama deserved the win with a spectacular performance in overtime, Mulkey’s criticism of the referees raised important points about the consistency and flow of the game.

A Game Defined by Stoppages

The LSU-Alabama showdown was anything but smooth. The game featured 39 fouls, leading to an unusually high number of free throw attempts and disrupting the natural rhythm of the game. Mulkey did not mince words when she addressed the officiating post-game, calling it a “poorly-officiated game” and expressing that the excessive stoppages severely affected the flow of play. For both teams, the non-stop whistles, reviews, and fouls became more of a distraction than a tool to maintain fairness.

“I don’t think the game was called right,” Mulkey said in her post-game remarks. “There’s a lot of things that were very confusing to us as coaches and players. When you’re playing a top-20 team, you need the game to be called with some consistency. There wasn’t any of that tonight.”

The game was filled with controversy around the calls, especially in critical moments. Mulkey questioned not only the volume of fouls called but also the inconsistency in reviews and the rationale behind some decisions. She pointed out that certain reviews seemed disconnected from the flow of the game, with officials struggling to provide clarity on why some calls were being made or reviewed.

Despite this criticism, Mulkey acknowledged that officiating wasn’t the only factor that determined the game’s outcome. She remained candid in admitting that LSU had its own shortcomings to address. “We missed opportunities,” she noted. “There were free throws missed, crucial layups we didn’t finish, and those are the things that we need to own. Alabama earned that win, but we could have done better.”

A Game of Missed Opportunities

The game itself was a rollercoaster. Alabama led by as much as 13 points during the contest, looking like they were in control. However, LSU showed their resilience, battling back to tie the game and force overtime. Mulkey’s Tigers didn’t back down, pushing the Crimson Tide to their limits and proving that LSU can hang with any team in the country.

Alabama’s offense, led by Aaliyah Nye, was potent when it mattered most. Nye, a standout for the Crimson Tide, played a pivotal role in the overtime period, making key baskets that ultimately sealed the game for Alabama. Along with her teammates Sarah Ashlee Barker, Essence Cody, and Zaay Green, Nye helped Alabama weather the storm and deliver a win that could have major implications for both teams as they move forward in the season.

But for LSU, the game wasn’t just about missed opportunities in terms of execution. The frequent fouls and stoppages prevented them from gaining momentum. The Tigers couldn’t establish a flow, and when they did, crucial mistakes—such as missed free throws or hurried possessions—derailed their chances.

Mulkey’s Leadership Amidst the Chaos

Despite her frustration with the officiating, Mulkey did not shy away from recognizing her team’s efforts. The LSU Tigers, known for their physical and fast-paced style of play, showed grit and determination throughout the contest. Mulkey, who has built a reputation as a no-nonsense coach, knows the importance of learning from losses like this one.

“I don’t want to just stand here and blame everything on the referees,” Mulkey explained. “We lost because we didn’t play well in some critical moments. But when you’re in a game like this with so much at stake, it’s hard not to feel that the inconsistencies in officiating didn’t play a role. We just have to move forward and improve.”

Mulkey’s emphasis on learning from the game’s challenges is a hallmark of her coaching style. She’s known for holding herself and her players to high standards, and this loss is no different. She will undoubtedly use this experience to reinforce the importance of staying focused, not just on the play itself, but on the external factors that can impact the game—such as officiating.

Looking Ahead

As LSU heads into the latter half of the season, the loss to Alabama serves as a reminder of how fine the margins are in top-tier college basketball. A few missed opportunities, some inconsistent officiating, and a tough overtime period were all factors that contributed to the Tigers’ defeat. However, the team showed resilience and grit, traits that will serve them well as they continue to fight for a strong postseason position.

For Alabama, the win was crucial in securing a place in the upper ranks of the SEC standings. They displayed poise and execution in key moments, particularly in overtime, when they needed it the most. With their star players stepping up when called upon, Alabama proved they are more than capable of competing with the best.

As for Mulkey and the Tigers, this loss will likely serve as a valuable teaching moment. There are certainly areas for improvement, from free-throw shooting to finishing plays, but the game also revealed the team’s ability to fight back from adversity. Mulkey’s leadership will be essential as LSU looks to bounce back in their next games, but also to grow from this experience.

Ultimately, while officiating remains an important conversation in sports, it’s clear that the onus remains on the teams to execute, adapt, and seize opportunities when they arise. Mulkey’s Tigers will certainly take this lesson to heart as they look toward the future.