Kim Mulkey's LSU women's basketball team are underdogs for the first time in a long time Thursday evening, when they'll face Dawn Staley's top-ranked and undefeated South Carolina squad at home.
Although Mulkey's team might produce an upset, she doesn't want LSU fans to act like it.
During an episode this week of LSU Sports Radio's "Kim Mulkey Show," the Tigers' outspoken coach advised the home crowd to keep their excitement in check if LSU defeats South Carolina.
"We're not gonna go run on the floor if we beat them," Mulkey said. "You're the defending national champions, act like you've been there. And I want everybody to scream and holler, but I don't want people running out on the floor like we just won another national championship."
So while Mulkey expects no court-storming to take place in the event of an LSU victory, she's also leaning into her team's underdog status.
"No one has found the formula to beat them, and we will try to upset them," Mulkey told reporters during her media availability Wednesday. "We're the underdog, and I love underdog roles, and I know it will be one heck of an atmosphere. It's going to be good for us, it's going to be good for South Carolina, and overall it's going to be good for women's basketball."
Despite LSU having won the national championship last season, it didn't manage to go undefeated. In fact, the Tigers finished with a 34-2 record, including going 15-1 in Southeastern Conference regular season games. Who was that lone loss to? South Carolina.
That's not all. The LSU women's basketball team hasn't defeated South Carolina in over a decade, with its last win against the Gamecocks coming in 2012.
While Mulkey acknowledges the immense opportunity at hand this evening, she is trying to ensure that her team — and fan base — will understand the stakes.
"This is a very exciting game Thursday, but keep perspective," Mulkey said. "There are bigger games down the road for both South Carolina and LSU. Don't make it so big that you're devastated if your team doesn't win. But if your team wins, celebrate it, and then move on the next day."
For those who want to watch this highly anticipated SEC clash but can't be at LSU's Maravich Center, the game is being broadcast live on ESPN starting at 8 p.m. EST.
And for those who will be at the Maravich Center: Don't storm the court.
