A Desperate Heave, a Crucial Deflection, and a Broken Play: How LSU Women’s Basketball Stole a Win from Stanford
In the waning moments of regulation, Mikaylah Williams’ bobble of a pass nearly derailed the play designed to force overtime. However, Williams’ quick thinking and agility salvaged the possession. Instead of using a screen, she chose to create her own opportunity, ultimately sinking a short turnaround jumper to tie the game.
Late Thursday night, the No. 5 LSU Tigers (10-0) seemed destined for their first loss of the season. Yet, a combination of Williams’ clutch shooting, Kailyn Gilbert’s desperation 3-pointer, and Flau’jae Johnson’s defensive deflection enabled the Tigers to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Stanford (7-2).
Williams’ impressive performance, which included a season-high 32 points, was the catalyst for LSU’s win. Her ability to create shots and score in tight spaces proved invaluable. Stanford’s efficient shooting and zone defense had stifled the Tigers’ transition game and half-court offense, but Williams’ individual brilliance helped LSU overcome these challenges.
In the paint, Stanford held a significant advantage, outscoring LSU by 20 points. However, the Tigers’ perimeter shooting and ability to force turnovers ultimately proved decisive. LSU hit 10 3-pointers, including several crucial shots in overtime, and limited Stanford to just four turnovers of their own.
LSU’s victory was also influenced by coach Kim Mulkey’s willingness to adapt and experiment with smaller lineups. Gilbert, an Arizona transfer, played a crucial role off the bench, logging 34 minutes and scoring a season-high 25 points. Mulkey’s decision to go small paid off, despite her initial reservations.
Under Mulkey, the Tigers have now won all three overtime games they’ve played. Their last overtime victory came in February 2023 against Georgia. LSU has started its season with 10 consecutive wins for the fifth time since 2000 and the second time in four seasons under Mulkey.
The Tigers will seek their 11th win of the season on Sunday against Grambling in Williams’ hometown of Bossier City. This contest marks the beginning of the final five-game stretch of nonconference play. LSU has already defeated three power-conference opponents this season, including Washington and Stanford, in games where they led for only three combined minutes of regulation.
Gilbert’s last-second layup against Washington and Williams’ improvised jumper against Stanford have been instrumental in securing these victories. “They played till the clock ran out,” Mulkey said, “and that’s basically how you won the game.”