Kim Mulkey’s Thoughts: What Went Wrong for LSU Women’s Basketball Against Alabama?

LSU Women’s Basketball, under the leadership of head coach Kim Mulkey, has been one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball in recent seasons. With a strong roster, multiple All-American players, and a championship pedigree, expectations were always high for the Lady Tigers. However, in a surprising loss to Alabama earlier in the season, LSU’s team experienced what seemed like a rare setback that left fans, analysts, and even Coach Mulkey herself scratching their heads.

Kim Mulkey is a proven winner, having guided Baylor to three NCAA championships and earning numerous accolades along the way. Her reputation for coaching excellence, especially in critical moments, is well-established. So, when LSU suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Alabama, it wasn’t just the outcome that raised questions—it was the manner in which it happened and the subsequent reflections from Coach Mulkey that offered a deeper look into the dynamics of the game.

In this analysis, we will break down what went wrong for LSU Women’s Basketball in their loss to Alabama, explore Mulkey’s thoughts on the game, and examine some of the larger implications for the program moving forward.

The Build-Up to the Game: High Expectations and Pressure

Before the matchup with Alabama, LSU had been on a roll, consistently ranked at or near the top of the AP Poll. The team had shown impressive offensive prowess, defensive discipline, and strong leadership from veteran players. They were coming off a championship-winning season and were looking to build upon that success in a highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC) environment. The expectations were immense.

Alabama, while a solid team, was considered an underdog heading into the game. However, their recent performances had suggested that they were capable of pulling off an upset, particularly with strong individual performances from players like Jasmine Walker and a defense that had improved significantly over the course of the season. It wasn’t so much that Alabama was a pushover team, but more that LSU’s overall talent and momentum had led many to believe that they would be able to handle this game easily. The game against Alabama was set up to be another dominant performance for the Tigers.

However, from the opening tip, LSU’s performance was far from the clean, confident, and dominant display that fans and analysts expected.

The Game: Uncharacteristic Struggles

The game itself was a rollercoaster, with Alabama taking control early in the first half. LSU, typically a team that thrives off their defense and fast-paced offensive execution, seemed out of sync. There were missed shots, turnovers, and a lack of intensity that is usually synonymous with Mulkey’s teams. It wasn’t that LSU wasn’t trying, but rather that they couldn’t find their rhythm. Alabama, on the other hand, was firing on all cylinders, with efficient shooting and solid defensive schemes that kept LSU off balance.

Offensive Inefficiency

One of the key issues for LSU during this loss was their offensive inefficiency. Typically, LSU boasts an offense that is hard to stop. Their stars like Angel Reese, who had been a dominant force throughout the season, struggled to find good looks at the basket. Reese, a forward known for her physicality and scoring ability, was stifled by Alabama’s defense, unable to create space for herself in the post or finish around the rim with the same consistency that she had throughout the season.

Another factor contributing to the offensive woes was the shooting. LSU, typically a solid shooting team, struggled from the floor, particularly from beyond the arc. They couldn’t seem to hit their usual marks from three-point range, which allowed Alabama to collapse into the paint and focus on defending the inside. This lack of spacing on offense further contributed to their inability to generate open looks for both their shooters and bigs.

Turnovers and Defensive Gaps

In addition to the offensive struggles, LSU’s defense—historically one of their strengths—seemed to lack the usual intensity. Alabama was able to create turnovers, something that LSU teams under Mulkey are usually adept at forcing. LSU turned the ball over 19 times during the game, which allowed Alabama to get easy fast-break points and put the Tigers on their heels.

Alabama’s aggressive defense was a significant factor in LSU’s inability to execute offensively. The Crimson Tide played a physical, man-to-man defense that limited LSU’s passing lanes and forced several uncharacteristic mistakes. LSU’s inability to adjust to Alabama’s defensive pressure and their own ball-handling struggles made it difficult for the Tigers to get into any offensive rhythm.

On the other side of the ball, LSU’s defense struggled to contain Alabama’s key players. Jasmine Walker, who had an outstanding game, was able to break down LSU’s defense and score efficiently. Her scoring burst helped Alabama to maintain control of the game, and LSU simply didn’t respond with the kind of lockdown defense that is typically associated with Mulkey’s teams.

Kim Mulkey’s Reflection on the Loss

After the game, Kim Mulkey was candid in her assessment of LSU’s performance. She didn’t shy away from admitting that the team had not played up to their usual standards, and she provided insight into what she felt went wrong.

Lack of Focus and Execution

Mulkey’s primary criticism was a lack of focus and execution. “We didn’t do the little things right,” Mulkey said in her post-game interview. “Basketball is a game of runs, and if you don’t stay focused and disciplined, you can get caught off guard. That’s exactly what happened today. We didn’t execute our game plan, and we allowed Alabama to get comfortable.”

The lack of focus was apparent in the first quarter, where LSU allowed Alabama to jump out to an early lead. LSU’s usual defensive intensity wasn’t present, and there was a sense that they were relying too much on their reputation rather than playing the game as they normally would.

Additionally, Mulkey pointed to the uncharacteristic turnover issues that plagued LSU throughout the game. “We’re a team that prides itself on taking care of the ball. We just didn’t do that today, and it’s frustrating. Turnovers lead to easy baskets for the other team, and that’s something we simply can’t afford to do.”

The Need for Adjustments

Mulkey also emphasized the need for adjustments. “As a coach, you’ve got to be able to make changes when things aren’t going right. We have to figure out how to handle pressure better and find ways to get our offense going. I take full responsibility for not making those adjustments quicker.”

In typical Mulkey fashion, the coach did not deflect blame onto her players. Instead, she recognized that coaching was a key part of the problem and that her team didn’t have the necessary answers in the game.

What Went Wrong: Key Takeaways

1. Inability to Adjust to Defensive Pressure

• LSU’s inability to adapt to Alabama’s physical defense and constant pressure was a key issue. The Tigers, who are usually able to break down any defense with their talent, were caught off guard and couldn’t find ways to get the ball into the hands of their stars in optimal scoring positions.

2. Turnovers and Lack of Discipline

• With 19 turnovers in the game, LSU’s lack of discipline in maintaining possession was costly. Turnovers disrupted LSU’s offensive flow and handed Alabama easy opportunities to score, which allowed them to maintain control for much of the game.

3. Missed Opportunities in the Paint

• LSU’s usual strength in the paint was neutralized by Alabama’s defensive game plan. Angel Reese, who had been a force inside all season, struggled to get the ball in good positions, and the team didn’t take advantage of their size and strength near the basket.

4. Inconsistent Shooting

• LSU’s outside shooting, which had been effective throughout the season, was lackluster in this game. Without their usual shooting prowess, LSU’s offense became one-dimensional, and Alabama was able to pack the paint, limiting LSU’s offensive opportunities.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for LSU?

Despite the loss to Alabama, Kim Mulkey’s team is still one of the most talented in the country. However, this defeat provides several lessons that the team must learn from if they are to reach their ultimate goals. For Mulkey, it’s a reminder that no team is invincible, and that success is a product of consistent effort, focus, and execution.

Looking ahead, LSU will need to refocus on the fundamentals that have made them successful: aggressive defense, smart offensive play, and taking care of the basketball. Mulkey’s leadership will be key in ensuring that the Tigers bounce back from this loss and continue to compete at the highest level.

For LSU, the loss to Alabama was a tough one, but it wasn’t a death knell. Instead, it’s an opportunity for growth and reflection, both for the team and for Coach Mulkey herself. If anything, it’s a reminder that no matter how good a team is, there will always be moments of adversity that test their resilience and character.

Kim Mulkey will undoubtedly take this defeat in stride, using it as a teaching moment to make sure her team is better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. With a team full of talented players and a coach who knows how to win, LSU’s future remains incredibly bright.