Heartbreak in Baton Rouge! LSU's women's basketball team suffered a tough loss to No. 11 Kentucky, falling 80-78 in a nail-biting SEC opener on January 1, 2026. This defeat marks LSU's first of the season, putting their record at 14-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Kentucky, on the other hand, improved to 14-1 overall and 1-0 in the SEC.
But here's where it gets controversial... Kentucky guard Tonie Morgan was the hero of the night, sinking a clutch three-pointer with a mere 0.5 seconds left on the clock. The game was held at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Looking ahead, LSU will try to bounce back on Sunday in Nashville, facing No. 12 Vanderbilt at Memorial Gymnasium. The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. CT tip-off on ESPN, with Beth Mowins and Carolyn Peck on the call. Fans can also tune into the LSU Sports Radio Network.
Morgan and forward Teonni Key of Kentucky both had impressive double-doubles, with Morgan scoring 24 points and dishing out 12 assists, and Key contributing 17 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.
Coach Kim Mulkey acknowledged Morgan's impact, stating, "You take (Morgan) off (Kentucky), they’re a different team... She makes them go." Mulkey also highlighted Morgan's ability to play within the system and elevate her teammates.
LSU shot 49.2% (30-61) from the field, while Kentucky shot 43.5% (30-69). A significant factor in the game was Kentucky's dominance on the boards, outrebounding LSU by 16 and securing 17 offensive rebounds to LSU's 4.
On the LSU side, Junior Mikaylah Williams led the charge with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Sophomore Jada Richard matched her career high with 14 points, while seniors Flau’jae Johnson (15) and Amiya Joyner (14) also reached double figures in scoring.
The game started with a flurry of points for LSU, as they went on a 14-2 run early, fueled by Williams' hot hand. Kentucky responded, taking the lead in the first quarter. The teams traded leads throughout the game, with LSU holding a lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth battle, ending with the teams tied at 41 at halftime. The third quarter saw LSU build a lead, but Kentucky kept the game close. In the fourth quarter, the lead changed hands multiple times, culminating in Morgan's game-winning shot.
Coach Mulkey gave credit to Kentucky, emphasizing their poise and experience. She noted the importance of experience and toughness, acknowledging areas where LSU needs to improve.
What do you think? Do you agree with Coach Mulkey's assessment of Kentucky's experience? Do you think the rebounding disparity was the key factor in the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
