LSU women’s basketball took to the court on a cold Monday night against the Florida defense that wasn’t giving anything up without a fight in a physically demanding game that ultimately led to another SEC home win with a final score of 89-60.
From the first tipoff, it was evident that LSU had this Florida team beat out in shots and ability to make the shots when necessary, but what LSU was fighting against was a physical defense that didn’t give up any rebounds or free points.
Transfer senior Amiya Joyner got a jump from the get-go, not in the way she consistently shot the ball, but with her assistance to teammates like Flau’Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams.
As the season has progressed, Joyner has become increasingly pivotal on the court, particularly for her defensive efforts and offensive assists, delivering nine rebounds, seven of which were offensive, 14 points and four assists.
“If you don’t get enough touches cause they’re not throwing it to you, do what?” Kim Mulkey said. “Go do that, go get your rebounds. And she’s done that the last two games, she’s done a tremendous job and I’m proud of her.”
This charged game of energy and effort was something that was not unfamiliar to the PMAC, but as the half began rolling around with just over five minutes left, three plays would leave the entire stands roaring with anger after missed technical calls.
After both Jada Richard and Williams were pushed to the ground and then a forearm to Richard’s throat, there was an even bigger need to show that this team is not giving up, even with missed calls that could’ve handed the Tigers three more opportunities with the ball.
Limiting the Gators to minimal chances at the free-throw line, LSU held the advantage almost the entirety of the game, only spending two minutes trailing the Gators.
It was without some challenge from the Gators, more specifically from sophomore Liz McGil. Leading Florida in scoring as well as defensive effort on the court, along with other key players like Alexia Dizeko and Nyadieng Yiech, there was always a fight at the glass. 2
As the second half continued, the Tigers played with a harmonious effort. Something that was not seen in the first half, leaving the question of whether this LSU team had ever played the game of basketball against an SEC school before.
With Richard taking a handful of trips to the free-throw line in this game, it was exactly what LSU needed to continue with a hefty lead to not let Florida see the chance of winning. She then quickly led the team in points with 20, three rebounds and two turnovers.
“I would just say hunger, honestly.” Richard said. “I’m a competitor, so, of course, last year I went to play more. I wanted to be on the floor more. But I kind of just use practice as my games. Just getting better at practice, being intentional in every position, in practice, being intentional in my group. Outside of practice, in the weight room, getting faster.”
It’s becoming obvious that this LSU team needs almost an entire half of a game to reach the clean basketball that head coach Kim Mulkey is always talking about, but when the Tigers get there, it’s something that can’t be stopped.
“They honestly do things together off the court,” Mulkey said. “And they, they really, really have a chemistry that is very unselfish. They want to all play now. But it’s not destructive in any way. I’ve never seen them get too high. I’ve never seen them get too low.”
After the Monday night game against Florida, it was evident that this LSU team can score against tough defenses, but not without some physically demanding stretches, trash talk, and trips to the free-throw line that aided the final score and helped LSU continue with a 5-2 SEC record.
