BATON ROUGE, La. – The No. 11 Kentucky Wildcats secured an 80-78 victory over the No. 5 LSU Tigers on Thursday night, decided by a three-pointer from Kentucky guard Tonie Morgan with 0.5 seconds remaining. The game marked LSU's first defeat of the season.
Game Summary
LSU initially established a 14-2 lead in the first quarter, with Mikaylah Williams contributing 10 points early. Kentucky responded with a 16-3 run, taking an 18-17 lead before LSU concluded the quarter ahead 23-22. The second quarter featured multiple lead changes, ending in a 41-41 tie at halftime. In the third quarter, LSU maintained a lead for much of the period, concluding it with a 65-60 advantage. The fourth quarter saw LSU hold its lead until 2:10 remaining when Tonie Morgan tied the game with free throws. Clara Strack then put Kentucky ahead with a jumper. Mikaylah Williams subsequently tied the game with three free throws before Morgan's decisive shot.
Player Performances
For Kentucky, Tonie Morgan achieved 24 points and 12 assists, recording a double-double. Teonni Key also contributed a double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds.
LSU's Mikaylah Williams led her team with 26 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, marking season highs in points and rebounds. Jada Richard scored 14 points, matching her career high. Flau’jae Johnson added 15 points, and Amiya Joyner contributed 14 points.
Team Statistics
LSU recorded a field goal percentage of 49.2% (30-61), while Kentucky shot 43.5% (30-69). Kentucky held a 16-rebound advantage over LSU, including 17 offensive rebounds compared to LSU’s four.
League Impact and Upcoming Schedule
The loss moved LSU's season record to 14-1 overall and 0-1 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Kentucky improved to 14-1 overall and 1-0 in the SEC. LSU is scheduled to play No. 12 Vanderbilt on Sunday in Nashville.