The HC of LSU is not slowing down. Kim Mulkey has been experimenting all season, and it paid off big this time. With thirty seconds to go when Tennessee Lady Volunteers’ Jewel Spear knocked down a three, LSU was shellshocked. Coming into this game, LSU was on a 17-game win streak, and with thirty seconds left in a tied game, that streak looked in jeopardy.

LSU had just one choice to make, but many to choose from. The lineup tonight was Mulkey’s sixth different starting five of the season. Clearly, LSU has strength in numbers and is not afraid to give everyone a chance to shine. That is exactly what Mulkey did today.

After holding as large as an 18-point lead, LSU’s hopes were stranded on one possession. Kim Mulkey decided to go against the grain and trust a bench player who had a hot hand for the final shot of the game.

Kailyn Gilbert was coming off an 11-point third-quarter display which put LSU in a strong position until the Tennessee fightback. With 1 second left on the clock, Gilbert got a bucket and secured an 89-87 win for LSU at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville. Kim Mulkey’s faith in her bench in such a crunch situation demonstrated that the team is well-rounded and not reliant on one player for success.

This win marks Mulkey’s third straight victory over Tennessee in Knoxville, making LSU the second SEC team (after Mississippi State) to pull off that streak.

This moment added a layer of excitement to the game, as it emphasized the unpredictability of sports, where players who aren’t necessarily expected to be the heroes can rise to the occasion and change the course of the game. Gilbert’s performance would likely be celebrated as a defining moment of both the game and her contribution to the team’s success.

Kim Mulkey’s quest for the perfect formula

Kim Mulkey’s leadership at LSU is all about building a championship-level squad. After guiding LSU to its first-ever national title in 2023, she’s laser-focused on defense and crashing the boards to maintain that success.

Her coaching style emphasizes creating a team that can handle the pressure, especially when facing tough opponents like Tennessee. Mulkey knows that to beat the best, you’ve gotta out-hustle them and play with grit. Kim Mulkey has effectively utilized bench players like Alexis Morris and Jasmine Carson to make significant contributions during critical moments.

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Mulkey’s got a knack for using her bench when it counts, especially in clutch moments. It lets her rotate players, keep the starters fresh, and give bench players a chance to step up when needed—helping LSU stay in the championship hunt.

With this approach, she’s relentlessly pursuing her “magic mantra”—a championship-winning strategy centered on defense, team chemistry, and resilience—to build a consistently successful program at LSU.