A crafty game-winning drive and score from Kailyn Gilbert allowed No. 6 LSU to escape No. 16 Tennessee with a win, 89-87—and remain undefeated. It was an exciting end to an electrifying and unpredictable game in Knoxville.
LSU dominated the first half of the matchup. With both teams struggling to rebound throughout the first two quarters, LSU relied on the relentless Aneesah Morrow, who leads the nation in double-doubles. She clocked 19 points and 10 rebounds by halftime. Behind Morrow’s production and forced turnovers, LSU managed a 46-39 lead at the break.
Both teams returned for a third quarter that was fraught with tension. The Lady Vols prevented the Tigers from extending their advantage for much of period, which ultimately ended 67-62 in the Tigers’ favor. By the fourth, Tennessee continued the team’s pattern of wearing out their opponents. Samara Spencer hit a massive 3 almost immediately and Jillian Hollingshead converted a set of free throws that brought the score 67-64. But, the Tennessee flurry was met with an almost immediate response from LSU, with Mikaylah Williams hitting a shot and two free throws on consecutive possessions.
Tennessee’s Kaniya Boyd then set the crowd on fire with a 3-pointer at the seven-minute mark, bringing the home team…
