Although LSU won the nonconference final as the Tigers won 109-41, one freshman was sitting out, and Kim Mulkey has finally explained. 

Grace Knox’s absence left fans questioning and concerned about her missing the game. But coach Kim Mulkey ended the speculations in her post-game interview. 

“Grace and I knew going into the break that she was gonnaa come in late. She needed to take care of some business, and I was in total support of that. She'll be here tomorrow and (be) ready to go on Tuesday.”

Mulkey has allowed players to take leave from the teams in the past. Back in November, Kailyn Gilbert asked for a leave to deal with personal matters, and Mulkey was happy to accommodate the request during their Alcorn State win on November 20th.

She did the same for Knox, who has been crucial for the team. The 6’2 freshman pushed LSU to a 110-45 win over UT Arlington with her 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals. And Mulkey has been vocal about the 19-year-old’s performance.

“She’s just an athlete. Good lord, you can't block her out. You can't keep her from flying to the boards… She's going to make mistakes, but her mistakes are done with effort.”

Having a reliable player like Knox will be crucial for LSU going into the SEC conference with opponents like the South Carolina Gamecocks. 

But as it stands, Kim Mulkey’s team handled itself without Knox

After the win, the Tigers improved to 14-0, extending their unbeaten streak. And they did so with 52.4%, scoring 100+ points for the 11th time this season.

Kate Koval and MiLaysia Fulwiley led the attack for the Tigers. Koval managed a double with 23 points and 11 points, while Fulwiley scored five points and six rebounds.

With Knox ready to return, the Lady Tigers will open their SEC schedule on Thursday night against No. 11 Kentucky at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar