A high-stakes women's college basketball game between LSU and Oklahoma turned fiery on Thursday, marked by player ejections, technical fouls against coaches, and a memorable clipboard incident involving LSU coach Kim Mulkey. The drama unfolded in the first quarter when LSU's Sa'Myah Smith and Oklahoma's Liz Scott were both ejected after a shoving match.
The altercation began with a tussle between Oklahoma's Beatrice Culliton and Smith under the basket. Culliton raised her arm, seemingly to create space, prompting Smith to push her to the floor. Scott then intervened, shoving Smith. LSU staff quickly separated the players. While Smith is typically composed, her reaction resulted in a foul and subsequent ejection after officials reviewed the play.
Coach Mulkey expressed surprise at Smith's behavior, noting its detrimental impact on the team's development plans for the young player. She also acknowledged the entertainment value the incident provided for spectators.
Despite being down a player, Oklahoma managed to stay competitive, closing a substantial 24-point gap to within one point in the final minute. However, the Sooners couldn't overcome LSU, who secured a 107-100 victory.
The heated atmosphere continued throughout the game. At one point, with LSU comfortably ahead, Mulkey slapped a clipboard held by assistant coach Seimone Augustus, followed by a period of animated yelling and pointing. Later, Mulkey received a technical foul for arguing a call against star guard Flau'Jae Johnson. Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk also received a technical. The game concluded with five technical fouls and a staggering 63 free throw attempts.
Reflecting on the game, Mulkey remarked on the unusual sequence of events, from ejections and high scores to multiple technical fouls, including her own, which she questioned. The win brought LSU's record to an impressive 22-1.
