The LSU Tigers are back on track, bouncing back in style from their tough loss to South Carolina! Mikaylah Williams erupted for 37 points, powering the Lady Tigers to a gritty 107-100 win over 13th-seed Oklahoma. With two straight wins since that defeat, they now sit at 22-1 overall and 7-1 in the SEC. But the game was anything but pretty!

Things got heated midway through the first quarter when LSU’s Sa’Myah Smith and Oklahoma’s Liz Scott found themselves in a heated scuffle! It all started when Smith shoved Beatrice Culliton to the ground after a physical battle in the lane, prompting Scott to step in and push Smith. And just like that, both players got ejected!

In the post-game press conference, Coach Kim Mulkey addressed the heated ejection of Sa’Myah Smith. She admitted she was shocked by Smith’s reaction but emphasized how much the team felt her absence, “It hurt our team with her not being there. Gotta keep a cool head in a hot game.”

While Smith will be suspended for the next game according to the SEC rules, there’s one more player who hasn’t been seen in the Lady Tigers squad for the past two games- Last-Tear Poa and there were questions about her status. Is she injured? Is she dealing with a personal problem? Well, Kim had an answer to put a stop to those rumors once and for all!

Speaking in the post-game conference, Kim said, ” Polo, let’s start with that so you don’t have to ask me, she is being disciplined for breaking a team rule.” The exact reason was not given for Poa’s absence apart from the fact that she broke a team rule and there’s no timeline for her return. She’ll miss her fifth game of the season. The veteran guard is averaging 2.3 points and 2 assists in 18 appearances this season and fans will be hopeful she comes back soon!

With Sa’Myah Smith out for the next game and no clear timeline for Last-Tear Poa’s return, the Tigers will have to adapt fast! Let’s take a look at their next game as they aim to climb up the AP rankings!

What’s next for Kim Mulkey and her lady tigers?

Shorthanded but hungry, Kim Mulkey’s squad is gearing up for a showdown! The Tigers will host Mississippi State at the legendary Pete Maravich Assembly Center, looking to defend their home court. ESPN predicts an 87.9% chance of the lady Tigers to come out on top!

Kim Mulkey will be leaning heavily on her star trio Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, and Mikaylah Williams. Together, they’re putting up over 50 points per game this season, and their firepower will be crucial if LSU wants to keep winning and make a serious run when March Madness arrives!

With Sa’Myah Smith suspended and avoiding public humiliation from the coach, unlike Last-Tear Poa, who remains suspended for breaking a team rule, LSU will have to step up without two key players. As they prepare to battle Mississippi State, a team ranked no.10 and having won only 3 conference games, all eyes will be on their star trio to keep the momentum rolling!