The sixth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team returns to the court on Sunday, March 15, 2024, after a successful week that included two victories. The Tigers will face the 13th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2, featuring play-by-play commentary from Courtney Lyle and analysis by Andraya Carter.
Rivalry History and Recent Performance
This matchup marks the third encounter between LSU and Oklahoma in the past seven years. The Tigers won the last meeting, which took place on January 30, 2025, with a close score of 107-100 in Baton Rouge. Prior to that, Oklahoma defeated LSU 90-68 during the Big 12/SEC Challenge on December 7, 2019, also in Norman.
In recent games, junior guard Mikaylah Williams has emerged as a standout player for LSU. Hailing from Bossier City, Louisiana, Williams played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ 70-65 victory over the No. 2 ranked Texas Longhorns. She recorded impressive stats, including 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and five steals. Her performance was highlighted by a crucial three-pointer with just one second left on the shot clock, helping secure the win for LSU.
Significance of Upcoming Matchup
LSU’s triumph over Texas was historic, marking the program’s first win against a team ranked in the AP Top 2 since 2008. The last victory in that range occurred when LSU defeated No. 2 North Carolina during the NCAA Elite Eight. This win also ended a 17-game losing streak against top-two teams. The last time LSU faced a top-five opponent successfully was during the 2023 National Championship, where they secured their first national title by defeating Iowa 102-85.
As they head into the game against Oklahoma, the Tigers aim to achieve consecutive wins against ranked opponents for the first time since their remarkable run in the 2023 NCAA tournament, where they triumphed over both No. 4 Virginia Tech and No. 3 Iowa.
LSU’s challenging schedule includes a stretch where they will compete against seven SEC teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25. In addition to facing Oklahoma, the Tigers will also contend with teams like No. 11 Kentucky and No. 12 Vanderbilt. Under Coach Kim Mulkey, LSU has recorded a competitive 21-14 record against ranked opponents.
Statistically, LSU leads the nation in several categories: averaging 43.8 points per game off the bench, a 53.3% field goal percentage, a rebound margin of 19.6, and scoring an impressive average of 100.1 points per game. This potent offense will be crucial as they move deeper into a demanding schedule.
As the Tigers prepare for this high-stakes encounter, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and building on their recent successes. The outcome against Oklahoma could significantly influence their standing in both the SEC and national rankings.
