BATON ROUGE – No. 6 LSU (17-0, 2-0 SEC) secured yet another victory, defeating Auburn (9-6, 0-2 SEC) on Sunday with a final score of 73-63 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. With this win, the Tigers not only maintained their undefeated record but also marked their second victory in Southeastern Conference play.
A standout performance was delivered by senior forward Aneesah Morrow, who recorded her 15th double-double of the season, scoring 21 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Morrow is now one double-double shy of tying for the third most double-doubles in NCAA Division I history. Her relentless effort on the court continues to set the standard for her team.
Another pivotal figure was sophomore guard Kailyn Gilbert, who came off the bench to contribute 17 points, shooting a phenomenal 8-for-10. Gilbert was particularly effective, hitting all of her attempts (6-6) during the first half, showcasing her dedication with some impressive shooting. “I just trust in the work I put in,” Gilbert commented after the game, highlighting her commitment to practice and improvement.
Head Coach Kim Mulkey praised Gilbert's impact, stating, “I thought KG coming off the bench was really the difference in the ballgame.” Morrow echoed these sentiments, explaining, “She brings the energy. She is really quiet, but she brings the energy for our team.” Gilbert's ability to shift momentum was evident as she consistently pushed the Tigers to regain control whenever the game's balance tilted toward Auburn.
Auburn's effort was led by Audia Young, who scored 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting. DeYona Gaston, who had previously dominated with at least 29 points over her last four games, was limited by foul trouble, finishing the match with 16 points.
Despite the game's pressure, LSU's prowess came from its shooting performance. While the team did not convert on any three-point attempts (0-for-6), they achieved remarkable efficiency overall, finishing with 56 percent shooting from the field and converting 13 of their 17 free throw attempts.
The game began with LSU's defense showing tenacity, forcing Auburn to miss their initial five shots. Although Auburn took an early lead, finishing the first quarter at 16-11, LSU rallied back. The Tigers committed seven turnovers yet held Auburn to only 6-for-17 shooting.
Shifting dynamics were especially evident during the second quarter when LSU outscored Auburn 27-7. Gilbert spearheaded this offensive explosion, tallying 11 points within just six minutes of gameplay. Following this surge, LSU entered halftime with a strong 38-24 lead. Morrow and Gilbert’s synergy on the court was undeniable, as they crafted impressive scoring opportunities for each other.
The third quarter saw Auburn manage to retrieve some momentum, initiating a 9-0 scoring run early on. But Gilbert quickly recalibrated LSU's performance with timely mid-range shots, ensuring the Tigers retained their comfortable lead entering the final quarter at 54-39.
Fourth-quarter highlights included contributions from LSU's key players, as both Morrow and Gilbert continually found ways to break through Auburn's defense. Morrow's consistent rebounding also played a significant role, allowing LSU to maintain control of the paint, where they outscored Auburn 44-30.
Although Auburn made attempts to close the gap late, LSU's lead proved insurmountable as they closed out the game with the final score of 73-63. Despite the setbacks, Mulkey emphasized the team's cohesion, quoting, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
With this victory, LSU prepares for their next challenge, facing the previously unbeaten Tennessee Volunteers on January 9, offering another chance to showcase their skills against formidable competition. While Auburn looks to rebound against Arkansas, both teams continue to navigate the intense SEC schedule.