LSU vs Stanford women's basketball isn't just a matchup on a piece of paper; it’s a collision of two entirely different basketball universes. You’ve got the flashy, high-octane energy of Kim Mulkey’s Tigers going up against the disciplined, tactical execution that has been the Stanford hallmark for decades. Honestly, if you missed their last meeting in the SEC/ACC Challenge, you missed one of the gutsiest comebacks in recent memory.
The Night LSU vs Stanford Women's Basketball Flipped the Script
It was December 5, 2024. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center was loud—the kind of loud that makes your ears ring for an hour after the final buzzer. Stanford came into Baton Rouge and basically owned the place for 38 minutes. They weren't just winning; they were dictating everything. Nunu Agara was a problem, dropping a career-high 29 points and snatching 13 rebounds.
For the longest time, it looked like the Cardinal was going to walk out with a statement win. They led 28-15 after the first quarter. They hit 13 of their first 20 shots. LSU looked rattled. But then, the momentum shifted in that weird, intangible way it only does in college hoops.
The Tigers started chipping away.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, it was pure chaos. Stanford was up by five with only 23 seconds left. Most people in the stands were probably eyeing the exits. Then Kailyn Gilbert—who ended up being the unsung hero with 25 points off the bench—hit a ridiculous fadeaway three with a hand right in her face.
LSU forced a turnover. Mikaylah Williams hit a jumper with four seconds left. Tie game. Overtime.
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In the extra period, Mikaylah Williams just took over. She finished with 32 points, and her deep three with 38 seconds left in OT was the dagger. LSU escaped with a 94-88 win, keeping their undefeated streak alive at 10-0 while Stanford fell to 7-2. It was a classic "tale of two halves" game that proved why this rivalry is becoming appointment viewing.
The New Look: Life After Tara VanDerveer
One thing people keep forgetting is how much the landscape changed at Stanford recently. For years, LSU vs Stanford women's basketball was a coaching chess match between Kim Mulkey and the legendary Tara VanDerveer.
But with Tara retiring in 2024 as the winningest coach in NCAA history, the torch passed to Kate Paye.
Paye isn't some outsider; she spent 17 seasons on Tara's staff. She knows the system better than anyone. However, the 2024-25 season was a transition. Stanford ended up 16-15, which is almost unheard of for that program. They were adjusting to life in the ACC and life without their Hall of Fame leader.
LSU, meanwhile, has stayed in high gear. Mulkey has built a roster that looks more like a track team that happens to be elite at shooting. The contrast in styles is what makes this pairing so fascinating. Stanford wants to move the ball, find the extra pass, and use their length. LSU wants to run you into the ground and win every one-on-one matchup.
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Key Players Who Define the Matchup
If these two meet again in 2026, the rosters are stacked with familiar faces and massive transfer additions.
LSU Tigers Core:
- Flau'jae Johnson: She’s the heart of the team. A senior now, she brings that "big game" energy and defensive intensity that fuels their transition game.
- Mikaylah Williams: After that 32-point explosion against Stanford, she’s basically the "Cardinal Killer." Her ability to create her own shot is NBA-level.
- MiLaysia Fulwiley: The South Carolina transfer. Adding her to a backcourt that already had Johnson and Williams is almost unfair. She’s arguably the most electric player in the country.
- Kate Koval: A 6-5 sophomore transfer from Notre Dame who gives LSU the rim protection they occasionally lacked in the past.
Stanford Cardinal Core:
- Nunu Agara: Now a junior, she is the undisputed leader. She’s a 6-2 forward who can score from all three levels and usually ends up being the toughest matchup for LSU’s post players.
- Talana Lepolo: The veteran floor general. She doesn’t always put up huge scoring numbers, but she controls the tempo.
- Mary Ashley Stevenson: A junior transfer from Purdue who adds much-needed grit in the paint.
Why This Game Matters More Than Most
Most non-conference games are just about building a resume for March. LSU vs Stanford women's basketball feels bigger. It’s a cultural clash.
You have the "Old Guard" of the West Coast against the "New Power" of the Bayou. People love to pick a side in this one. You either love Mulkey’s intensity and the Tigers’ swagger, or you root for the academic prestige and tactical precision of the Cardinal.
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The stats from their last meeting tell a wild story. Stanford actually shot better from the field (47% to LSU's 45.6%). They out-rebounded the Tigers 42 to 37. Usually, if you out-shoot and out-rebound an opponent, you win. But LSU forced 15 turnovers while only committing 4 themselves. Four! That's the difference. LSU wins by being more aggressive and taking more shots, even if they aren't always "perfect" shots.
What to Look for Next
If you're following these teams through the 2025-2026 season, keep an eye on the freshman class at LSU. They signed the unanimous No. 1 recruiting class, including ZaKiyah Johnson and Divine Bourrage.
Stanford is also rebuilding their depth with five-star talent like Hailee Swain and Alexandra Eschmeyer. The gap between these programs is closing, mostly because Stanford is getting younger and more athletic to keep up with the pace of the modern game.
Next time these teams are scheduled, don't just look at the rankings. Look at the turnover margin. Look at how many "second chance" points LSU gets. If Stanford can limit LSU to one shot per possession and keep their own turnovers under 10, they can beat anyone. But as we saw in Baton Rouge, "almost" doesn't count for much when Mikaylah Williams is heating up.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the first five minutes of the second half; that is consistently where LSU makes their runs to flip the momentum.
- Track Nunu Agara’s foul count early; Stanford's offense often stalls if she has to sit for extended periods.
- Check the "Points off Turnovers" stat mid-game; it's the most reliable predictor of who is winning the LSU vs Stanford women's basketball battle.