LSU gets the win on opening day of women's basketball

The ninth-ranked LSU women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season in spectacular fashion Monday night, overwhelming Southeastern Louisiana 129-35 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. The Tigers delivered a historic performance, recording the largest margin of victory in program history with a dominant 94-point win.

LSU wasted little time establishing control, scoring the game's first 18 points and putting the Lady Lions on their heels early. Head coach Kim Mulkey's squad showcased its athleticism, defensive pressure and offensive firepower throughout the contest, building a commanding 69-9 halftime advantage.

Sophomore ZaKiyah Johnson led the offensive explosion with a career-high 33 points and 13 rebounds. Johnson was nearly unstoppable around the basket, connecting on 14 of 19 attempts from the field in an outstanding performance.

MiLaysia Fulwiley added 20 points, six assists and six steals, providing energy on both ends of the floor. Mikaylah Williams contributed 19 points, while Grace Knox, freshman Lola Lampley and Anna Minaeva each finished with 14 points. Minaeva also recorded 10 rebounds.

LSU's defensive intensity was equally impressive, forcing 38 turnovers and limiting Southeastern Louisiana to just 27.8 percent shooting from the field. The Tigers also controlled the boards and consistently turned defensive stops into transition opportunities.

The victory gives LSU a 1-0 start and provides an encouraging glimpse of its potential this season. The Tigers will look to carry their momentum into Thursday night's home matchup against Texas Southern. Mulkey's team certainly made an early statement that LSU intends to be a force in women's college basketball.