Upset at the PMAC: LSU Topples No. 2 Texas, 70–65
The Pete Maravich Assembly Center was electric — sold out, loud and pulsing with that particular kind of belief that only a packed college arena can generate. On January 11, 2026, LSU’s women’s basketball team fed off that energy and delivered a signature victory: a 70–65 win over No. 2 Texas. It wasn’t a blowout highlight reel, but a gritty, full-team performance that felt like the kind of game that can define a season.
Why this mattered
- Beating a top-two team at home changes perception. LSU’s 70–65 victory over an 18–0 Texas squad isn’t just one in the win column — it’s a statement that LSU can compete with the nation’s elite.
- Momentum and confidence are contagious. LSU had stumbled recently; this win provides a reset and shows resilience under Kim Mulkey’s leadership.
- The SEC shook a little bit. Texas remains a program to respect, but conference standings and March narratives are subtly different after a home upset like this.
The game in moments
- Slow first quarter, competitive first half: The teams traded baskets early and the first quarter ended tied 11–11. LSU closed the half with a buzzer-beater by Jada Richard to carry a five-point lead (30–25) into halftime. (LSU finished the half shooting 12-of-31.)
- Second-half toughness: LSU stretched its lead in the third and managed the Longhorns’ late rally in the fourth. Texas chipped away — including a 13–3 run that put the pressure on — but LSU hit the critical plays down the stretch to hold on.
- Paint and boards won it: LSU’s ability to rebound and convert inside proved decisive. The Tigers won the rebounding battle and limited Texas’s second-chance opportunities at key moments.
- Standouts: Mikaylah Williams led LSU with 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting and two 3s. For Texas, Madison Booker poured in 24 points (10-of-16), and Kyla Oldacre posted a 16/16 double-double in a losing effort.
Takeaways for fans and followers
- This was a full-team effort, not a one-player miracle. Multiple Tigers contributed double-figure scoring and timely defense.
- LSU’s home-court energy is real. A sold-out PMAC was a tangible advantage and the Tigers used it to control momentum at crucial stretches.
- Texas remains a top program — their late surge showed why they’re ranked — but LSU exposed vulnerabilities and earned a resume-boosting win that will matter on selection Sunday and in the polls.
Impact on both teams
- LSU: The win moves the Tigers to 16–2 and restores confidence after a couple of SEC stumbles. It validates Kim Mulkey’s message about toughness and should galvanize the roster for the stretch run.
- Texas: Falling to 18–1 halts an undefeated run and answers some questions about how the Longhorns respond to adversity away from home. They still have depth, star scoring and an elite resume, but this loss will give opponents hope and scouting material.
My take
Upsets like this boil down to more than X’s and O’s — they’re about identity and belief. LSU didn’t just outscore Texas; they played with a renewed edge and grabbed extra possessions when it mattered. That kind of win can be transformative, especially in a league as deep and competitive as the SEC. If LSU builds on this and tightens a few loose moments, they’ve shown they can be a dangerous team in March. And for Texas, the loss is a reminder that dominant records bring targets — and the best teams respond by learning fast.
Sources
- LSU Athletics — "LSU Takes Down Texas, 70-65" (January 11, 2026).
https://lsusports.net/news/2026/01/11/lsu-takes-down-texas-70-65/ - University of Texas Athletics — "No. 2 Women's Basketball falls at No. 12 LSU, 70-65" (January 11, 2026).
https://texaslonghorns.com/news/2026/1/11/no-2-womens-basketball-falls-at-no-12-lsu-70-65 - Burnt Orange Nation — "No. 2 Texas comes up short against No. 12 LSU, 70-65" (game recap).
https://www.burntorangenation.com/texas-longhorns-womens-basketball/99896/texas-longhorns-65-lsu-tigers-70 - Louisiana Radio Network — "LSU Lady Tigers beat No. 2 Texas, 70-65" (January 12, 2026).
https://louisianaradionetwork.com/2026/01/12/45002/
Related update: We recently published an article that expands on this topic: read the latest post.
Related update: We recently published an article that expands on this topic: read the latest post.