LSU Women's Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey Previews Matchup with Alabama

Mulkey offers insight into the upcoming game against the No. 22 Crimson Tide

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:15pm

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LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey discussed the team's upcoming matchup against No. 22 Alabama, highlighting the strength of the Crimson Tide's coaching staff and players. Mulkey praised Alabama head coach Kristy Curry and her assistants, noting their Louisiana connections, and emphasized the challenge her team will face against Alabama's guards and center Essence Cody.

Why it matters

This game is an important conference matchup between two ranked teams, with LSU looking to extend their winning streak to seven games and avenge their overtime loss to Alabama last season.

The details

LSU is hosting Alabama on Sunday, with the No. 5 Tigers aiming to continue their strong start to the season. Mulkey acknowledged the difficulty of having three games in a week, but said she's glad the team is playing at home. She praised Alabama's coaching staff, led by Kristy Curry, and highlighted the Crimson Tide's strong guard play and the presence of center Essence Cody in the paint. Mulkey also noted the Louisiana connections on Alabama's staff, including assistant coach Brooks Donald.

  • LSU is hosting Alabama on Sunday, January 31, 2026.
  • The teams last met in Tuscaloosa during the 2025-26 regular season, with Alabama winning in overtime.

The players

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU women's basketball team.

Kristy Curry

The head coach of the Alabama women's basketball team.

Essence Cody

A key player for the Alabama women's basketball team, leading the team in scoring with 13.5 points per game.

Brooks Donald

An assistant coach on the Alabama women's basketball staff, with previous coaching experience at McNeese State and ULM.

Mikaylah Williams

An LSU player who had a chance to win the game against Alabama in their last meeting.

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What they’re saying

“I'm glad we're at home. It is tough to have three games in a week and we've got to be smart tomorrow. We've got to know how long we need to be on the floor. Alabama, heck, they may be the best coaching staff in the SEC based on what they produce.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball

“I know Kristy personally and [assistant coach] Kelly [Curry] personally and I just know what they do for Alabama and I don't think it gets talked about enough. Mikaylah [Williams] had the free throw and had a chance to win it there at the end, so, I mean, you're going to have battles. I think the year before we were down at half and came back out and pressed and got back in the game.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball

“Their guards are really good. Cody's really good in the paint and [they] got a lot of Louisiana connections on that staff. [Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator] Brooks Donald is on that staff who used to be at McNeese State for many years and then she was at ULM. So, we'll welcome them back, but it's time to tip it off and let's go play.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a step forward in the SEC standings, as both teams look to position themselves for a strong finish to the regular season and a potential NCAA Tournament berth.

The takeaway

This matchup between two top-25 teams in the SEC promises to be a hard-fought battle, with LSU looking to avenge their overtime loss to Alabama last season and the Crimson Tide aiming to prove their coaching staff is among the best in the conference.