On November 21, during LSU’s game against the Tulane women’s basketball team, the Tigers delivered a commanding performance. Flau’jae Johnson contributed an impressive 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Aneesah Morrow showcased her dominance with 23 points and 16 rebounds. These stellar efforts by the No. 7 LSU Tigers resulted in a staggering victory over Tulane. However, the game wasn’t all about LSU’s dominance on the court; it was a pregame moment involving head coach Kim Mulkey that stole the spotlight.

During a recent episode of the podcast Best of Both Worlds with Flau’jae, LSU guard Flau’jae shed light on a controversial pregame incident. “I’m like, yeah, that was too lame, but I ain’t gonna lie, I don’t know why she did that,” Flau’jae remarked, referring to the actions of Tulane head coach Ashley Langford.

The controversy began during the customary pregame ritual, where opposing head coaches typically exchange handshakes between the benches. Mulkey, dressed impeccably as always, approached Langford for the traditional greeting. However, things took an unexpected turn. Instead of Langford meeting her halfway, Mulkey stood behind the Tulane head coach, waiting for her attention. After an awkward pause, Mulkey left without receiving the customary handshake.

For many, this was a surprising moment. Mulkey, a 61-year-old coaching legend and the fastest coach in history to reach 600 wins, is known for her sportsmanship and fiery spirit. Similarly, Langford, as a head coach, would likely have been familiar with such pregame rituals, making her failure to acknowledge Mulkey, puzzling. Despite this apparent snub, Mulkey didn’t react publicly to the incident, maintaining her composure and focusing on the game.

Fiery yet constrained, Kim Mulkey goes on an unbeaten record

A recent example of Kim Mulkey’s fiery demeanor occurred during LSU’s game against Eastern Kentucky. In the fourth quarter, LSU guard Flau’Jae Johnson was driving to the basket when a defender slid over to block her path, leading to a charging foul being called against Johnson. The crowd erupted in protest, and Mulkey, visibly frustrated, argued the call, earning herself a technical foul. Eastern Kentucky was awarded free throws but failed to convert any of them.

Neither the Tulane handshake controversy nor the heated moment against Eastern Kentucky has fazed Mulkey. She has continued to lead her team with unwavering determination. Under her guidance, LSU has achieved an incredible 8-0 start to the 2024 season as they aim to reclaim the national championship title they failed to defend last year.

Most recently, LSU delivered another blowout victory, defeating NC State 82-65. The Tigers are on a winning streak at the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship with their second win that brought Mukley her 99th win with the LSU Tigers. They next face NC Central at home on the first of December.