LSU defeated Auburn 73-63 on Sunday, guard Kailyn Gilbert was the difference off the bench.
Without high production from Mikaylah Williams, rebound dominance or any kind of action behind the arc, LSU needed alternatives. So, whenever momentum shifted the other way, Gilbert willed it back in favor.
The usual culprits stalled LSU in the first quarter, at one point allowing a 7-0 run. Relying on low-percentage shots and forcing tight-window passes left LSU trailing 16-11 at the end of the first. They had six turnovers in the quarter.
Gilbert and Aneesah Morrow shifted the narrative in the second quarter. Tighter defense and physical offense helped the LSU win the quarter by 19 points.
Auburn had six turnovers and shot 21% from the field, LSU was 67%.
In just six minutes of that quarter, Gilbert had 11 points, including a tactfully generated mid-range shot seconds before half.
The third was almost a microcosm of the first half. Turnovers and fouls early allowed Auburn a 9-0 run. Bothersome defense and a couple statement baskets by Gilbert reestablished a comfortable lead entering the final quarter.
Williams had a slower game but found a way to contribute in the fourth, where she had six points, two rebounds and an assist.
The final minutes went in favor of Auburn but LSU still prevailed, winning 73-63.
LSU finished the game 0-for-6 from three and with only two more rebounds than Auburn. Turnovers remained an issue, ending with 16.
Gilbert credited her work ethic for the impressive performance.
“Trusting the work I put in,” she said. “When I step on the court, it feels like I’m shooting into an ocean.”
Gilbert shot 8-for-10, totaling 17 points, one rebound and one assist in 17 minutes.
“KG can score the basketball as good as any perimeter player I’ve ever coached,” head coach Kim Mulkey said.
Gilbert said she’s proved her ability to be coachable, play defense and be a teammate, contrary to what was said about her when she entered the portal last spring.
“I think KG can get past anybody if she wants to,” Morrow said. “You gotta guard her as honest as you possibly can.”
Morrow came up big as well. She was 9-for-12 with 21 points, 14 rebounds, one assist and three steals.
After the game, Mulkey referenced a quote that she builds her team around, one especially relevant to the first two games of SEC play.
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
LSU plays the formerly unbeaten Tennessee Volunteers on Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
