Kim Mulkey, LSU pull off upset in SEC opener

In their first SEC matchup, LSU beats Georgia 68-62

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In their first test of the season, the LSU women’s basketball team took down the No.13 ranked Georgia Bulldogs 68-62. LSU led 41-33 at the half.

Georgia came out strong in the second half, winning the third quarter 16-13, but could not overtake the Tigers. Besides the score, the stats were evenly matched. LSU shot 46% for the game, and Georgia shot 44%.

Both teams grabbed 36 rebounds apiece, 25 defensive, and 11 offensive—the only difference was free-throw shooting. LSU shot 8-15 and Georgia 3-6. It turned out to be the difference in the game.

“It’s their first SEC win with a new coach, a change in philosophy, a change in staff,” said Kim Mulkey. “We were shorthanded, didn’t have Ryann (Payne) here to relieve those guards any.”

“I just was so proud of them. We pretty much handled the whole game until they went to their 3-2 zone (in the third quarter). They don’t play much zone.”

Khayla Pointer led the Tigers in scoring with 21 points on 7-20 shooting from the field and 4-8 from three-point land. Pointer was aggressive in this game, and it helped LSU win. Faustine Aifuwa pitched in with 17 points and nine rebounds; she played well the last couple of games.

Que Morrison had an outstanding game for the Bulldogs; she led the way with 26 points on 11-18 shooting. Morrison also dished out ten assists. Sarah Ashlee Barker added 14 points for Georgia in a losing effort.

LSU did a great job on defense, being active with 15 steals, and did a fantastic job controlling the paint. LSU returns home to face No.23 ranked Texas A&M on Jan. 2.