Kim Mulkey isn’t just a coach; she’s a force of nature, unapologetically fierce and undeniably captivating. The LSU Tigers head coach has built a reputation as a sharp-tongued, hard-nosed leader, and after a nail-biting 94-88 overtime victory against Stanford, she reminded everyone why doubting her team is a risky proposition.

In the post-game press conference after LSU’s hard-fought battle with Stanford, when a reporter posed a question about fans leaving early during the game, Mulkey didn’t mince words, delivering a fiery and quirky response that left no doubt about her attention to detail.

“I did. And I took names. I won’t see them in church Sunday because I’ll be gone. But I’ll catch them next Sunday. I saw it. Sure did. We were down, I think, seven with about a minute and something to go. Some of them turned back around. Yeah. You know, once I saw them walking out, I was like, okay. Fair weather fans. Let me be the bad guy. I saw who they were.”

Mulkey’s comments highlighted her disappointment in the LSU fans and the belief in the grit her team displayed on the court. Facing their toughest opponent yet this season, the Baton Rouge-based program clawed back from a double-digit deficit to maintain an unblemished 10-0 record.

Mikaylah Williams led the charge with a season-high 32 points, including a game-tying jumper with just 4.3 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter. Her deep three-pointer in overtime sealed the game, proving why she’s one of the most clutch players in the NCAA this year. She also collected 9 rebounds for the night, nearly brushing a double-double opportunity.

The Tigers didn’t win this game on sheer talent alone. They showed resilience, adaptability, and a refusal to quit—traits that have become hallmarks of Mulkey’s teams. Williams wasn’t the only standout. Reserve guard Kailyn Gilbert added 25 points off of the bench, including critical buckets in overtime, while Flau’Jae Johnson contributed 21 points and 6 assists before fouling out late in the game. And this was not even it!

Stanford’s tough test reveals LSU’s grit and Mulkey’s relentless drive

Stanford ranked No. 5 and boasting a disciplined, fundamentally sound squad, had the Lady Tigers on the ropes for most of the game. Nunu Agara led the Cardinals with 29 points and 13 rebounds, and Stanford’s 2-3 zone defense forced LSU to rely on their perimeter game—a gamble that paid off as the Tigers sank 10 of 25 three-point attempts.

Despite the win, Mulkey didn’t shy away from addressing LSU’s flaws. Stanford’s size and discipline exposed gaps in LSU’s speed and defensive strategies. Yet, these are precisely the moments Mulkey thrives on—turning weaknesses into opportunities for growth.

And her unique blend of humor and intensity off the court mirrors the fierce energy her team brings to it. Her willingness to “be the bad guy“ is more of a way to hold both her players and the supporters accountable for their respectable actions.

With Mulkey at the helm and players like Williams stepping up in clutch moments, LSU’s trajectory this season is as thrilling as it is unpredictable. They’re not just playing to win games; they’re building a legacy, one fiery press conference and gritty victory at a time.