How LSU Women's Basketball Became a National Championship Contender This Season
I remember watching LSU's season opener against Bellarmine back in November and thinking this team had something special. The way they moved the ball with such fluidity, the defensive intensity that never wavered even with a comfortable lead - it felt different from previous seasons. Having followed women's college basketball for over a decade, I've seen plenty of talented teams that never quite put it all together. But what Kim Mulkey has built in just her second year at LSU feels like witnessing basketball alchemy in real time.
The transformation reminds me of something I observed while studying collegiate sports programs internationally. I once spent time researching the University of the Philippines women's basketball program, where they literally talk about "exorcising curses" - breaking long-standing losing traditions through cultural shifts. LSU's situation isn't about curses per se, but there was definitely a need to overcome years of being good but not great. Last season, the Tigers finished 26-6 but fell short in the NCAA tournament's second round. This year, they've already notched 28 wins against just 2 losses, including that statement victory over top-ranked South Carolina that ended the Gamecocks' 42-game winning streak. The numbers tell part of the story - they're averaging 82.3 points per game while holding opponents to just 56.8 - but statistics can't capture the cultural transformation.
What's fascinating to me is how Mulkey has blended veteran leadership with explosive young talent. Angel Reese, that phenomenal forward from Maryland, has been nothing short of spectacular, putting up 23.4 points and 15.7 rebounds per game. But it's not just about individual brilliance. The chemistry between Reese and guard Alexis Morris demonstrates how well this team complements each other's strengths. Morris dishes out 6.9 assists per game, many of them to Reese in the paint. I've always believed that championship teams need both stars and role players who embrace their positions, and LSU has found that perfect balance.
The defensive improvement has been the real game-changer in my opinion. Last season, opponents shot 39.2% from the field against LSU. This year, that number has dropped to 36.1%. They're generating 18.2 turnovers per game and converting those into easy transition baskets. I watched their game against Tennessee where they forced 22 turnovers and scored 28 points off those mistakes. That's the kind of defensive intensity that wins championships. Having covered multiple Final Fours, I can tell you that teams who defend at that level in February are usually still playing in April.
Recruiting has obviously been crucial to this turnaround. Mulkey bringing in the nation's fourth-ranked recruiting class, including Flau'jae Johnson who's contributed 11.3 points per game as a freshman, shows her ability to identify talent that fits her system. But what impresses me more is how she's developed returning players. Last season, Ladazhia Williams averaged 6.9 points - this year she's up to 9.4 while providing crucial interior defense. That kind of player development is what separates good coaches from great ones.
The SEC tournament performance really cemented their contender status for me. Beating Tennessee by 15 points in the semifinals and then handling Mississippi State in the championship demonstrated their readiness for the big stage. What stood out was their composure in tight moments - when Tennessee cut the lead to 4 points early in the fourth quarter, LSU responded with a 12-2 run that essentially sealed the game. Championship teams have that killer instinct, that ability to withstand runs and counterpunch effectively.
Looking at their path through the NCAA tournament, I'm particularly intrigued by their potential matchup with Stanford in the Elite Eight. The contrast in styles would be fascinating - Stanford's disciplined system versus LSU's aggressive, attacking approach. Having watched both teams extensively this season, I'd give LSU the edge because of their superior athleticism and the way they can dictate tempo. Their transition game could overwhelm Stanford's half-court defense.
The cultural shift Mulkey has engineered reminds me of that University of the Philippines program I mentioned earlier. Sometimes changing a program's trajectory requires more than just better players or new strategies - it demands breaking psychological barriers and establishing new expectations. LSU players now carry themselves differently. There's a swagger, a belief that they belong among the nation's elite. That intangible quality often makes the difference in close tournament games.
As we approach the Final Four, I'm convinced LSU has what it takes to win it all. Their combination of elite talent, defensive identity, and proven coaching gives them advantages that few teams can match. The way they've handled pressure situations throughout the season suggests they won't be intimidated by the bright lights of the national stage. While nothing is guaranteed in March Madness, this LSU team has all the markings of a champion. They've transformed from a good program to a great one, and honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to see them cutting down the nets in Dallas.
