KEY POINTS
- No. 6 LSU defeated the Florida Gators 89-60, marking their fifth consecutive win in conference play.
- Guard Jada Richard led the charge with 20 points, scoring 12 during a decisive third-quarter surge.
- The Tigers dominated the glass, outer bounding Florida 48-28 to secure their 19th win of the season.
The LSU women’s basketball team continued its impressive run through the Southeastern Conference with a dominant performance Monday night. Hosting the Florida Gators at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, the sixth-ranked Tigers secured an 89-60 victory. This win marks the team’s fifth straight success as they climb the league standings.
The game began as a tightly contested battle between the two SEC rivals. Florida managed to keep the score close throughout the first half by employing a physical defensive strategy. The Gators briefly took a lead midway through the second quarter, surprising the home crowd. However, LSU responded with a late scoring run to enter the halftime break with a seven-point advantage.
The second half told a different story as LSU’s depth and conditioning took over. Sophomore guard Jada Richard ignited the offense in the third period with a spectacular shooting display. She scored 12 points in that quarter alone, hitting multiple three-pointers to push the lead into double digits. Her performance effectively broke Florida’s spirit and dictated the tempo for the remainder of the night.
Inside the paint, the Tigers utilized their size advantage to control the boards. Senior Amiya Joyner delivered another standout performance, recording 14 points and 10 rebounds. This marked her second consecutive double-double and her seventh of the season. LSU finished the game with 20 more rebounds than the Gators, limiting Florida’s second-chance opportunities.
Other key contributors included MiLaysia Fulwiley and Mikaylah Williams, who added 15 and 12 points respectively. The Tigers’ balanced scoring attack made them difficult to guard as the game progressed. LSU forced 17 turnovers and converted those mistakes into 21 points on the other end of the floor.
Florida’s Liv McGill led her team with 14 points, but the Gators struggled to find consistent scoring options. After a competitive start, they could not match LSU’s high-octane offensive output in the final two quarters. The loss drops Florida to a 1-6 record in SEC play, while LSU improves to 5-2.
Head coach Kim Mulkey praised her team’s chemistry and unselfishness following the win. The Tigers appear to have found their rhythm after a shaky start to the conference schedule. With three consecutive home games on the horizon, LSU is well-positioned to continue its ascent in the national rankings.
