LSU Women's Basketball Overcomes Slow Start in Win Over Arkansas

Coach Kim Mulkey's squad rallies behind veteran guard Kate Koval's calming presence

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The LSU women's basketball team overcame a slow start to defeat Arkansas 72-62 on Monday night. Despite facing a team that was struggling in conference play, LSU did not take the game lightly and had to rally from an early deficit. Veteran guard Kate Koval played a key role in steadying the team and helping them secure the victory.

Why it matters

This win keeps LSU in contention for a high seed in the SEC tournament and NCAA tournament. The ability to overcome adversity and win games they are expected to win is an important sign of maturity for a young LSU squad looking to make a deep postseason run.

The details

LSU trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half before mounting a comeback. Head coach Kim Mulkey credited veteran guard Kate Koval with calming the team and helping them execute their game plan in the second half. Koval finished with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the Tigers.

  • The game was played on Monday, January 30, 2026.
  • LSU trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half.

The players

Kate Koval

A veteran guard for the LSU women's basketball team who played a key role in leading the team's comeback against Arkansas.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU women's basketball team who praised Koval's calming presence in helping the team overcome their slow start.

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What they’re saying

“We prepared and everything we prepared for we saw tonight,”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach

What’s next

LSU will look to build on this win as they continue their SEC schedule, with key matchups against ranked opponents coming up in the next few weeks.

The takeaway

This victory showcases the maturity and resilience of the LSU women's basketball team, led by veteran guard Kate Koval. Their ability to overcome a slow start and secure a conference win against a struggling opponent demonstrates the team's potential to make a deep postseason run.