LSU Women’s Basketball team advances to their first championship appearance

LSU Tigers won against Virginia Tech in their first Final Four appearance under Kim Mulkey

Last week, the LSU Women’s Basketball team made history by winning in their first Final Four appearance under head coach Kim Mulkey. The Tigers beat Virginia Tech with a score of 61-59 in the Alamodome, Texas. The victory brought them to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game for the first time ever.

LSU Lady Tigers basketball team in NCAA Tournament

The road to the championship was not easy for the Lady Tigers. Their journey started in San Antonio, Texas, where they played their first game against St. Bonaventure in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The team won by just eight points, with a score of 76-68. Their next game was against a tough Michigan squad in the second round.

Despite playing without one of their best players, Faustine Aifuwa, who was out due to COVID-19 protocols, LSU managed to win by a score of 73-78. Their victory set them up for a Sweet Sixteen matchup against Utah.

Fans gather at a local restaurant to support the Lady Tigers during their sweet sixteen game against Utah Utes

LSU fans showed their support for the Lady Tigers as they gathered at local restaurants and bars to watch the Sweet Sixteen match against Utah. Though fans could not attend games in person this year due to COVID-19 protocols, they still found ways to cheer on their favorite team.

One such place was Burbank Walk On’s restaurant, where fans gathered and cheered on the Lady Tigers as they won with a score of 66-60.

LSU Women’s Basketball team wearing Kobe Bryant’s Grinches in Elite Eight game

In addition to their impressive performance throughout the tournament, the Lady Tigers made headlines for wearing Kobe Bryant’s Grinches during their Elite Eight game against Miami. The Grinches were launched on Christmas Day 2010 and are sold on GOAT at prices ranging from $700 to $3,500.

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, shipped boxes of the Grinches to the team one day before their Elite Eight game. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey is said to be a fan of the Bryant family, which likely prompted Vanessa’s gesture.

Earlier this year, Vanessa had also sent the team Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mabacita Sweet 16 sneakers to honor her daughter Gigi and Kobe who had passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Although the team did not wear them on that day, they showed their gratitude and appreciation for Vanessa’s kind gesture. The Lady Tigers were overjoyed to receive the Grinches and wore them during their victory against Miami with a score of 78-63.

Fans planning to go to the championship game if the Tigers win

LSU fans are ecstatic about the Women’s Basketball team’s success this year and have started planning for a possible trip to San Antonio to support their team in the championship game if they win against their opponents. The Baldwin Bengals alumni association has been actively supporting the team and raising money for scholarships to send students from Alabama to LSU.

Some die-hard fans have even donned wigs resembling Coach Kim Mulkey during games and were recognized by her at matches. This show of loyalty reflects how much the team means to its followers.

The road may have been tough, but the LSU Lady Tigers’ basketball team prevailed in each game as they fought towards the pinnacle of college basketball success; reaching Final Four for the first time ever. With one final hurdle remaining, these women will look to do something special and make history by winning it all!

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons