LSU Women's Basketball Rallies to Defeat Ole Miss

Kim Mulkey explains the coaching decision that sparked the comeback victory

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The LSU women's basketball team overcame a double-digit, fourth quarter deficit to beat Ole Miss 78-70 on Thursday night. Head coach Kim Mulkey credited a decision to go with a bigger lineup featuring senior Amiya Joyner and sophomore Kate Koval as a key factor in the comeback. Mulkey also praised the defensive adjustments the team made to slow down Ole Miss' leading scorer Cotie McMahon. Junior guard MiLaysia Fulwiley had a career-high 26 points, including 22 in the second half, to lead the Tigers' rally.

Why it matters

The victory puts LSU in sole possession of fourth place in the SEC standings, putting them in a strong position to earn a double bye for the conference tournament. The comeback also showcases the team's resilience and ability to make in-game adjustments to overcome a significant deficit against a tough conference opponent.

The details

With 6:24 remaining, Ole Miss led LSU 69-59. Mulkey then decided to go with a bigger lineup featuring Joyner and Koval, which helped the Tigers control the boards and slow down Ole Miss' offense. LSU went on a 19-1 run to close out the game and secure the 78-70 victory. Fulwiley scored 22 of her career-high 26 points in the second half to power the comeback.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 20, 2026 inside the Sandy and John Black Pavilion.
  • Ole Miss led LSU 69-59 with 6:24 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The players

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU women's basketball team who made the key lineup and defensive adjustments that sparked the comeback victory.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

The junior guard for LSU who scored a career-high 26 points, including 22 in the second half, to lead the Tigers' rally.

Amiya Joyner

The senior forward for LSU who was part of the bigger lineup that Mulkey credited for helping control the boards and slow down Ole Miss' offense.

Kate Koval

The sophomore forward for LSU who was also part of the bigger lineup that Mulkey said was a key factor in the comeback.

Cotie McMahon

The leading scorer for Ole Miss who the LSU defense focused on slowing down during the comeback effort.

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What they’re saying

“I think a decision we made as a staff to go big was very effective. I just thought there were taking my two young freshmen off the drive and that's why I didn't go big thinking that, you know, they could move laterally a little bit better. What was killing us was second, third shots and I thought Kate and (Joyner) were just solid together. That was a big decision and I'm not sure I ever thought I would do that in this game tonight. But I did and it worked.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball (Yahoo Sports)

“We mixed it up. We went to that 3-2 zone. Might have stayed in it a little too long. They hit some three's when we were in it and then we went back man, just trying to mix it up a little bit. Keep her off balanced. She's so explosive and so powerful and with that, she just is just so quick. We threw different people at her. (Fulwiley) was on her one minute and got a couple of steals, then Jada (Richard) and Bella (Hines), Mikaylah (Williams), anybody we could. Giving her different bodies to look at. You're not going to guard her 1-on-1. We made sure when she turned a corner, somebody else is there to help.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball (Yahoo Sports)

“God bless this child with speed. I wouldn't want to be on the floor with her because when she takes off, you better put it in high gear. She'll find you and a lot of times, honestly, she looks to pass too much. She needs to get to the rim and finish and draw fouls.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The victory puts LSU in a strong position to earn a double bye for the upcoming SEC Tournament, which will take place in a couple of weeks.

The takeaway

Kim Mulkey's ability to make key in-game adjustments, including a shift to a bigger lineup and defensive changes, allowed LSU to mount a dramatic comeback and secure a crucial conference win over a tough Ole Miss team. The performance showcases the Tigers' resilience and the coaching staff's adaptability.