LSU shatters Southeastern Louisiana with 129-point blowout
The Tigers posted their largest margin of victory in program history on Monday, capped by a career-high 33-point performance from ZaKiyah Johnson.
By Alexei Petit ·
LSU women’s basketball fans witnessed a stark difference in production level as the Tigers dismantled Southeastern Louisiana 129-35 on Monday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The result stands as the most lopsided victory in the program's history, erasing any early-season rust for a squad entering its sixth year under head coach Kim Mulkey.
The scoring disparity became evident early. Southeastern Louisiana failed to convert its second field goal until the 7:20 mark of the second quarter. By that time, the No. 9 Tigers had already accumulated 47 points. The 94-point margin of victory reflects the dominance displayed throughout the contest.
ZaKiyah Johnson led the offensive charge with a career-high 33 points and 13 rebounds. She secured nine of those rebounds on the offensive glass. Mikaylah Williams contributed 19 points, six assists, five rebounds, and four steals while shooting 6 of 10 from the floor and 5 of 7 from deep. MiLaysia Fulwiley added 20 points, six steals, and four assists. Grace Knox recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, and four steals. Freshman center Anna Minaeva provided 14 points and 10 boards, while transfer point guard Jada Williams distributed the ball with eight assists.
Mulkey emphasized the team's athleticism and quickness as key factors in the win. She noted that the group came out tough and utilized speed effectively. The coach also addressed the team's in-state schedule, stating she will never apologize for helping other schools with their budgets by allowing them to play at the flagship university.
Only nine players were active for the game. Forwards Noa Morro and Meghan Yarnevich sat out with a shin injury and a concussion, respectively. Despite the absences, LSU forced Southeastern to miss 26 of its 36 shots and commit 38 turnovers. The Tigers scored 72 points in the paint, 29 on the fast break, and 45 on second-chance opportunities while limiting their own turnovers to 11.
Fulwiley started the game for the fifth time in her career, moving from the bench role she held last season. Mulkey indicated Morro, who underwent surgery in early September for a stress fracture, could return as early as next week, though late November was the initial projection.
The Tigers now turn to a nonconference slate that includes matches against No. 2 UConn, No. 12 North Carolina, No. 25 NC State, Villanova, and Houston. LSU plays Texas Southern at 7 p.m. Thursday in its next contest.
