In a closely contested NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Elite Eight matchup, the LSU Tigers fell to the top-seeded UCLA Bruins with a final score of 72-65. This defeat marks the second consecutive year that LSU’s tournament journey concluded just shy of the Final Four, a point that became the center of a tense exchange between LSU’s head coach, Kim Mulkey, and a student reporter during the postgame press conference.
Jayden Smith, representing KLSU Sports, began his question by highlighting LSU’s back-to-back Elite Eight exits. Before he could complete his inquiry, Mulkey interjected, asking, “That’s terrible, isn’t it?” After Smith acknowledged, Mulkey further questioned, “Is that terrible, or is that good?” When Smith responded with “Terrible,” Mulkey retorted, “How many Final Fours did you play in?” Smith admitted he hadn’t played in any, to which Mulkey concluded, “So it’s probably pretty good, huh?”
This interaction has garnered significant attention and criticism. NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe addressed the incident on his “Nightcap” podcast, describing Mulkey’s behavior as “nasty” and “unacceptable.” Sharpe emphasized that such conduct towards media members is inappropriate, regardless of the circumstances.
Despite the loss, LSU’s standout guard, Flau’Jae Johnson, delivered an impressive performance, leading all scorers with 28 points and adding four assists. Reflecting on the season and her personal growth, Johnson expressed gratitude for the support from her coach and teammates, highlighting the strengthened relationships and resilience developed throughout the year.
On the opposing side, UCLA’s victory was propelled by the formidable play of 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts. Betts contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and six blocks, despite being sidelined for the entire second quarter due to foul trouble. Her teammates maintained the lead during her absence, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Bruins’ roster. Gabriela Jaquez led UCLA with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Timea Gardiner added 15 points off the bench.
This victory marks a historic milestone for UCLA, as they advance to the Final Four for the first time in the program’s history. The Bruins, who held the No. 1 national ranking for most of the season, demonstrated teamwork and strategic execution, overcoming LSU’s strong performance and securing their place among the nation’s elite teams.
The postgame press conference exchange has sparked broader discussions about the dynamics between coaches and the media, especially in high-pressure situations. Mulkey, known for her candid and sometimes contentious interactions with reporters, has previously been in the spotlight for similar incidents. For instance, during the 2024 SEC tournament championship game, she had a terse exchange with ESPN’s Brooke Weisbrod regarding the physicality of the game.
Additionally, in March 2024, Mulkey publicly criticized the Washington Post over an impending article about her, labeling the reporter as “sleazy” and threatening legal action. She accused the publication of attempting a “hit piece” and expressed frustration over what she perceived as unfair media tactics.
Mulkey’s coaching credentials are undeniably impressive. Before joining LSU, she led Baylor to three national championships and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. Her tenure at LSU has been marked by a strong 96-13 record, reflecting her ability to build and sustain competitive programs.
As LSU looks ahead, the program faces the challenge of breaking through the Elite Eight barrier that has halted their progress in the past two seasons. With Mulkey at the helm, the Tigers aim to leverage their experiences, address areas for growth, and continue striving towards national championship contention in future seasons.
