Keepin’ it 200

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.

The GIST: On Monday, No. 4 Houston narrowly escaped unranked rival Texas in a 76–72 overtime nailbiter, but other Top-10 men’s teams weren’t as fortunate last night when some of the season’s hottest teams were brought to their knees.

Georgia Tech’s wild finish topples No. 3 UNC: A back-and-forth battle tilted in Georgia Tech’s favor, then UNC appeared to seal a gritty comeback — until Georgia Tech guard Naithan George delivered the game-sealing go-ahead dagger.

• Guard RJ Davis recorded 28 points, but as the only UNC player to drain double-digits, it wasn’t enough to save the Tar Heels.

Unranked South Carolina stuns No. 5 Tennessee 63–59: Unlike their female counterparts, South Carolina’s men have flown under the radar this season, boasting an impressive 18-3 record and notching two wins over Top-10 SEC rivals in one week. Never tell ’em the odds.

• Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht put up 31 points, but he’s the only Vol who — stop us if you’ve heard this before — scored more than 10 in the home loss. Brutal.

No. 25 TCU keeps the upsets coming: In other ranked news, the Horned Frogs followed up Saturday’s wild triple-overtime win over then–No. 15 Baylor with last night’s 85–78 takedown of now–No. 15 Texas Tech. Bet you can guess their favorite Taylor Swift song…

Looking for a new listen? Check out our twice-weekly podcast, The GIST of It. Hosted by BFFs Ellen Hyslop and Stephanie Rotz, it’s the women-produced and -hosted sports pod you’ve been waiting for.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our listeners are saying:

• “They are enthusiastic and funny, and I don’t miss an episode!” (Ronbenlisa)

• “The best sports podcast on the air!” (_Jo777)

• “Finally a podcast that gives women’s sports the attention it deserves.” (Dnp!!)

Join the conversation (and these happy listeners!) by subscribing to The GIST of It wherever you listen to podcasts.

The GIST: Unlike other sports’ subjective polling, gymnastics rankings are especially telling: They’re based on score averages throughout the season, meaning squads compete against opponents and their past selves at every meet. Here’s how the standings settled on Monday:

Who’s up: Kentucky’s Friday victory set a program record and tied No. 2 Cal for the weekend’s top team score, catapulting them from No. 7 to No. 3 — a huge jump in this sport.

• On a similar upswing? Powerhouse UCLA, who set aside their shockingly inconsistent season start and vaulted from No. 15 to No. 11 by wiping the mat with Washington on Saturday.

Who’s down: Despite grad student Sierra Brooks’ dazzling performances, Michigan’s troubles continued on Saturday with an uncharacteristically mid 196.900 team score against Nebraska, dropping the Wolverines from No. 10 to No. 13.

• And while No. 7 Arkansas' 197.225 points were enough for a decisive Friday dub over No. 15 Auburn, they weren’t enough to keep pace in the SEC, resulting in a three-spot slide.

• TL;DR? There are no nights off on these mats.