Helena Frye
The LSU Tigers women's basketball team won its first-ever national championship in 2023, defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85. The victory was a historic one for the school, as it marked the first basketball title for LSU, in both the men's and women's divisions. The LSU women's basketball team, also known as the Lady Tigers, has a rich history dating back to 1975 when they began playing as the Ben-Gals. Over the years, they have made significant strides, appearing in several NCAA tournaments and consistently ranking among the top teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The 2023 national championship game showcased the talent and determination of the LSU Tigers, solidifying their place in the annals of women's college basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | LSU Tigers |
| Coach | Kim Mulkey |
| Year of First Championship Win | 2023 |
| Opponent | Iowa |
| Score | 102-85 |
| Date | 2nd April 2023 |
| Location | Dallas |
| Previous Wins by Coach | 3 at Baylor |
| Previous Wins by Team | 0 |
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What You'll Learn
LSU Tigers win their first national championship in women's basketball
The LSU Tigers have won their first-ever national championship in women's basketball. The team defeated Iowa 102-85 on 2 April 2023, in a game that also marked the highest-scoring championship game in women's NCAA history.
The victory was head coach Kim Mulkey's fourth championship win in as many title game appearances, having previously won three at Baylor before joining LSU in 2021. Mulkey's offensive strategy paid off, with LSU leading Iowa in rebounds and three-pointers, and the team's strong defence held Iowa to roughly 14 points less than LSU.
The win made Mulkey the first women's basketball coach to win national championships at two different schools, and the third-most titles of all time. Mulkey said of the win, "Coaches coach a lifetime and this is the fourth time I've been blessed. Never in the history of LSU basketball, men or women, has [anybody] ever played for a championship."
The LSU Tigers' victory also marked the first time in the school's history that either the men's or women's basketball team had won a championship. The team's nine newcomers for the season contributed to their success, with Carson scoring 22 points off the bench in just 22 minutes, and Reese achieving her 34th double-double of the season.
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Kim Mulkey becomes the first women's coach to win at two schools
LSU women's basketball team made history on April 2, 2023, by winning their first-ever NCAA basketball championship. The LSU Tigers, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, defeated Caitlin Clark and Iowa 102-85 in the national championship game. This victory marked the first basketball title in the school's history and a significant milestone for both the team and Coach Mulkey.
Kim Mulkey, a Hall of Fame coach, added another remarkable achievement to her illustrious coaching career. With the LSU Tigers' triumph, she became the first women's coach to win national championships at two different schools. Prior to joining LSU, Mulkey had already established an impressive record, winning three national championships with Baylor in 2005, 2012, and 2019. Her success continued at LSU, where she led the team to their inaugural championship title.
Mulkey's coaching prowess and competitive spirit have been instrumental in the LSU Tigers' success. Known for her fiery coaching style, she has an exceptional ability to connect with her players, pushing them to excel while also knowing when to offer support and guidance. Her unique approach has fostered a culture of success within the team, resulting in their historic championship victory.
In addition to her coaching achievements, Kim Mulkey has also had a notable playing career. She was a talented basketball player herself, winning two national championships as a player at Louisiana Tech University in the early 1980s. Her playing experience, combined with her coaching expertise, has given her a unique perspective that has undoubtedly contributed to her success as a coach.
The LSU Tigers' victory and Kim Mulkey's record-breaking achievement have left an indelible mark on women's college basketball. Mulkey's impact extends beyond the court, as she has also been recognised for her distinctive fashion sense, often sporting colourful and flamboyant outfits during games. Her success and influence continue to inspire and empower women in the world of sports.
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LSU's record offensive performance
On April 2, 2023, LSU women's basketball team made history by winning the NCAA basketball championship, the first in the school's history. Led by head coach Kim Mulkey, LSU dominated Iowa with a record offensive performance, winning the game 102-85.
The victory was Mulkey's fourth championship in as many title game appearances, adding to her three prior wins at Baylor in 2005, 2012, and 2019. With this win, Mulkey became the first women's basketball coach to win national championships at two different schools.
LSU's victory was a testament to their offensive prowess, as they won the rebounding battle 36-26, converting 14 offensive boards into 14 second-chance points. They also tied a season-high by hitting 11 three-pointers, including eight of their first 11 attempts, and shot 54% from the field, leading for more than 34 minutes.
LSU's offensive performance was further highlighted by the contributions of several players. Alexis Morris scored 21 points, LaDazhia Williams added 20 points, and Flau'jae Johnson chipped in with 10. One of the nine newcomers, Carson, scored 22 points in just 22 minutes, showcasing the depth of the team.
The win against Iowa marked a significant milestone for LSU women's basketball, as they not only claimed the national championship but also achieved the feat in record-breaking fashion, solidifying their place in the history of the sport.
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Caitlin Clark and Iowa's defeat
LSU Tigers won their first women's basketball national championship in 2023, defeating Caitlin Clark and Iowa with a score of 102-85. This was the first basketball title in LSU school history and the fourth championship in head coach Kim Mulkey's career. Mulkey became the first women's basketball coach to win national championships at two different schools, having previously won three at Baylor.
Caitlin Clark, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, is regarded as one of the greatest collegiate players. She played for the Iowa Hawkeyes and is credited with popularizing women's basketball, a trend known as the "Caitlin Clark effect". Clark broke numerous records during her college career, including becoming the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer and the first women's player to lead Division I in points and assists in a single season. She was named the AP player of the year in 2023 and won several other awards, including the Wooden Award, the Naismith Award, and being a four-time All-American.
Clark's final college basketball season ended without the national championship as the Iowa Hawkeyes lost to the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks 87-75. Despite her record-breaking season and numerous awards, the knock on her college career was the inability to win the national title. Clark finished the game with 30 points and five assists, including 18 points in the first quarter.
Clark was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA draft. In her rookie season, she won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and made the All-WNBA First Team and WNBA All-Star Game. She set league records for assists and broke the rookie scoring record. Clark continues to be an ambassador for women's basketball and has helped to increase interest in the sport at the collegiate level.
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LSU's road to the Women's Final Four
The LSU Tigers women's basketball team has had a rich history in the NCAA Division I women's college basketball scene. In their second season of play, they reached the AIAW national championship game but lost to Delta State. The team has made 30 AIAW/NCAA tournament appearances, including 16 Sweet Sixteens, 10 Elite Eights, and six Final Fours.
In 2023, LSU won their first-ever national championship, defeating Iowa 102-85. This game marked the highest-scoring championship game in women's NCAA history. On their road to the Final Four, LSU defeated Hawaii and Michigan at the Maravich Center, then knocked out Utah and Miami to advance to Dallas. In the national semifinal, LSU erased a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit with a 22-3 run, defeating Virginia Tech 79-72 to secure their spot in the Final Four.
The LSU Tigers' success continued in the 2023-24 season, making international headlines after their NCAA Tournament game against Iowa. However, they fell short in the Elite Eight round of the 2025 NCAA Women's Tournament, losing to UCLA.
LSU's women's basketball team has showcased its prowess in the highly competitive world of collegiate athletics, with their 2023 national championship standing as a testament to their hard work and dedication.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, LSU won its first-ever national championship in women's basketball in 2023.
Kim Mulkey, who became the first women's coach to win national championships at two different schools.
LSU defeated Iowa with a score of 102-85.
LSU was up against Caitlin Clark and Iowa.
The LSU women's basketball team is known as the LSU Tigers.
