JOURNAL SPORTS

STARKVILLE, Miss. – After playing the full 40 minutes Sunday afternoon leading the sixth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team to a tougher-than-expected 72-63 win at Mississippi State, Mikaylah Williams was ready for more.

Like 40 more minutes. Understandably, because the Bossier City Parkway product is on a roll after recording her third straight double-double with a season-high 26 points and 15 rebounds.

She helped the Tigers get going after a sluggish start including making only four of their first 14 shots.

“Mississippi State was playing really good basketball and I had to get started and be that spark so the rest of the team could come on,” said the junior guard.

LSU (26-4 overall, 12-4 in the SEC) didn’t salt it away until the fourth quarter, after State (18-12, 5-11 SEC) briefly took a one-point lead in the third period. The Tigers followed Williams to carry a 54-47 advantage to the final 10 minutes, and she drained a 3-pointer to lift LSU ahead 66-51 with seven minutes left.

“Williams is a special player,” said Mississippi State coach Sam Purcell. “The kid’s an All-American. What separates her is her high release and her elite handles.”

“I just like playing basketball … I feel good, even after playing 40,” Williams said. “I could play another 40 minutes.”

MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 18 points for the Tigers, who wrapped up the regular season and won’t play again until Friday afternoon at the SEC Tournament. They are the No. 4 seed and Sunday were projected by the NCAA selection committee as a No. 2 regional seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Continue your article here…