Second straight loss adds tumult to LSU women’s basketball’s national title defense

The GIST: Wondering WTF is up with No. 9 LSU? You’re not alone. With Monday’s shocking 77–73 loss to unranked Mississippi State, the reigning national champs have dropped two straight games for the first time in over two years. It’s the latest twist in an LSU season that can only be described as…well, weird.

The drama: Since losing their season opener, the Tigers have been giving fans whiplash. Their offense crushed everyone in their path, emerging as one of the nation’s best…until Auburn stunned them with an upset on January 14th.

• Less than two weeks later, LSU nearly did the impossible against No. 1 South Carolina. Despite the losing scoreline, the Tigers looked the fiercest they have all season, only to crash back down by dropping another game they should have won on Monday.

• The off-court haps have been equally messy: From star forward Angel Reese’s mysterious four-game absence and starting guard Kateri Poole’s bizarre departure to head coach (HC) Kim Mulkey’s trademark hostile attitude, this season’s giving Real Housewives of Baton Rouge.

Zooming out: This program’s at the center of women’s basketball’s exploding popularity — LSU is a groundbreaker when it comes to NIL deals and transfer portal–constructed superteams. While that energy powered the Tigers to last year’s title, there’s concern it’s now distracting them from focusing on a repeat.

• One thing’s clear: With March Madness right around the corner, LSU can’t afford any more blemishes on their notably easy remaining schedule if they want to snag a top seed — and secure an easier path to the ’ship. Time to keep those Tiger eyes on the prize.