How will LSU women’s basketball respond?
The No. 4 Tigers (20-1, 5-1 SEC) were handed their first loss on the season Friday at South Carolina in a tightly competitive slugfest, 66-56.
There was plenty to be encouraged about for Kim Mulkey and LSU from the top-5 showdown in Colonial Life Arena. From the defensive performance to how well the team rebounded, LSU was not outmanned or matched in the game against Dawn Staley and No. 2 South Carolina and proved that it belonged among the sports’ best.
Now after weather earlier in the week affected LSU’s travel and pushed that game back a day, it’ll be a quick turnaround for Mulkey and the Tigers as they get ready to take on Texas A&M at home on Sunday afternoon (3 p.m., SEC Network).
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Joni Taylor, Texas A&M women’s basketball turning corner from slow start?
Early on this season, there were some head-scratching losses for Joni Taylor and A&M — like their opener against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Villanova and Ball State.
But after making their way through some light injuries that have affected lineups and combinations, the Aggies have looked much better of late, including an upset of No. 11 Kentucky at home last time out.
Texas A&M’s defense limited star point guard Georgia Amoore and company to 37.5% from the field and only gave up nine points in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback.
Aicha Coulibaly has been A&M’s standout this season on the offensive end and she’s caused matchup issues for LSU in the past. How the Tigers guard her will be something to watch.
What Kim Mulkey, LSU women’s basketball take from South Carolina loss
No sugar coating it, from an offensive standpoint, LSU had its season’s worst outing at South Carolina. Against the Gamecocks, that’s the worst timing to have it.
LSU star forward Aneesah Morrow recorded a double-double but she was moved off her spots from time to time and it kept her just enough off sync offensively that she wasn’t able to affect the game as much as she normally does. The Tigers collected 28 offensive rebounds but only scored 22 second-chance points.
The other side of the coin is LSU held South Carolina’s potent offense to just 66 points and the Gamecocks were rarely comfortable in the game on the offensive end as well. South Carolina was able to score 22 points off turnovers and if the Tigers don’t cough the ball as much in the second half, the game likely comes down to the final moments.
Mulkey also needs some kind of consistency from her reserves. LSU bench players combined for 2 points.
How LSU has fared after losses under Kim Mulkey
Since Mulkey has taken over, the Tigers are 10-3 following in-season losses. They’ve lost back-to-back games just three times, including last season (South Carolina and Mississippi State).
That’ll be what LSU will look to avoid Sunday afternoon against Aggies.
LSU women’s basketball vs Texas A&M score prediction
LSU 79, Texas A&M 59: LSU’s defense will be able to limit Aicha Coulibaly and the offense will bounce back in a big way after the South Carolina loss.
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Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU women’s basketball vs Texas A&M: Score prediction, scouting report
