“Basketball Goddesses”: Mikaylah Williams & Kailyn Gilbert Stun NCAA World as LSU Make Narrow Escape vs Stanford

When Mikaylah Williams dropped 42 points against Kent State as a freshman, it was clear she wasn’t here to blend in—she was here to dominate. Her performance set a new bar for LSU, proving she’s a generational talent. This year, LSU added another weapon to their roster: Kailyn Gilbert, a fierce guard from Arizona. Together, the Williams-Gilbert duo has sent shockwaves through the NCAA, especially in their nail-biting showdown against Stanford.

The game wasn’t looking great for LSU early on. Trailing by 15 points in the second quarter, the Lady Tigers clawed their way back, getting within striking distance several times in the fourth quarter but couldn’t take the lead. That’s when Mikaylah Williams took matters into her own hands.

Williams exploded for a season-high 32 points, including a clutch game-tying jumper with just 4.3 seconds left, forcing overtime. She didn’t stop there—adding six more points in OT, including a dagger 3-pointer with 38 seconds left on the clock. Her heroics sealed LSU’s unbeaten streak with a thrilling 94-88 victory.

But it wasn’t just Williams stealing the spotlight. Reserve guard Kailyn Gilbert dropped 25 points, including five crucial points in overtime, while Flau’Jae Johnson added 21 before fouling out late in the game. Together, they showcased LSU’s depth and determination.

As the game ended, fans flooded social media, praising Williams and Gilbert for their performance.

Mikaylah Williams and Kailyn Gilbert Make Waves

After the game, social media lit up with excitement as fans raved about LSU’s latest basketball phenoms, Mikaylah Williams and Kailyn Gilbert. One fan summed it up perfectly, saying, “Mikaylah Williams absolutely put LSU on her back in this one. 32 points in the comeback win over Stanford. Also, what a great fit Kailyn Gilbert has been. She finishes with 24.”

It’s not just fans who are impressed—Gilbert’s trainer, Chris Ward, couldn’t help but praise her determination. “Her work ethic. It’s just different. You can tell when a kid is different, where their focus is,” Ward shared, solidifying Gilbert’s reputation as a rising star. There were doubts about LSU’s credentials after Angel Reese left for the WNBA following last season’s Elite Eight elimination. But these players have help put all those doubts to rest.

Meanwhile, another fan couldn’t hide their excitement, calling the pair “basketball goddesses.” The stats back up the hype—since joining LSU, Gilbert has been putting up solid numbers, averaging 9.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game with an impressive 44.9% shooting. Williams, on the other hand, leads the charge with 14.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 44.4%. Another fan couldn’t help but shout, “MIKAYLAH WILLIAMS AND KAILYN GILBERT SHEEEESH.”

But it’s Mikaylah Williams who has fans buzzing the loudest. “Can’t get over what Mikaylah Williams just put on for us,” one fan gushed, while another added, “Mikaylah Williams is cold-blooded.” Basketball is in her DNA—her mom, LaTonya, was a college player, and her dad, Patrick, coached the game. Reflecting on her upbringing, Williams once said, “Basketball had always been in my life.”

With accolades piling up, it’s no wonder Williams is one of the most exciting players to watch. She led Parkway to a Division I state championship, became Bossier High’s all-time leading scorer, and was named the Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year. On the global stage, Williams shined at the 2022 FIBA U-17 Women’s Basketball World Cup, averaging 8.1 points and 4.7 rebounds to help the U.S. win gold. It’s looking great for the 2023 National Champs.