Things got very chippy in women’s college basketball last night during No. 7 LSU’s wild 107-100 home win over No. 13 Oklahoma.
The otherwise hard-played contest was mared by a player being shoved to the ground, multiple ejections, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey slapping a clipboard out of an assistant’s hands and both head coaches receiving technicals fouls.
The fireworks started early Thursday with Oklahoma leading, 12-11, with 4:10 remaining in the first quarter when the Sooners’ Beatrice Culliton jostled for position with Smith.
The referees called a foul on Smith before Culliton did a 180 turn toward Smith while using her elbow to clear Smith’s hands free.
Smith then shoved Culliton to the ground to set off the fracas.
Oklahoma’s Liz Scott immediately came to her teammate’s defense and shoved Smith, who attempted to head back toward Scott before being blocked by a teammate and assistant.
Both Smith and Scott earned ejections.
Things got chippy between Oklahoma-LSU 😳
Both Liz Scott and Sa'Myah Smith were ejected and will miss their next game. pic.twitter.com/T2sRyArwiM
— espnW (@espnW) January 31, 2025
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said it was one of the wildest games she’s ever coached during her illustrious career.
“I always was told from my old mentor, Leon Barmore, you’ve got to keep a cool head in a hot game,” Mulkey said.
“Never let ’em see you sweat.”
The game also featured a dramatic moment from Mulkey, who has a flare for not shying away from controversy.
During the third quarter while leading, 67-45, Mulkey slapped a binder out of assistant coach Seimone Augustus’ hands.
Augustus stood there with her hand held out for several seconds in a seeming state of shock while Mulkey continued to scream and point.
😂😂 https://t.co/ABlNTtIsSz pic.twitter.com/MhZG9Jhhfm
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) January 31, 2025
In total, last night’s game featured five technicals, 53 combined fouls and 63 combined free throws attempted, with LSU ultimately coming out with an important conference win.