The Tigers are going to be alright.
Freshman guard Mikaylah Williams put on a show Tuesday afternoon in LSU's 109-79 win over Kent State.
The five-star prospect from Bossier City scored 42 points, the most by a freshman in program history, on 15-of-20 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc.
MIKAYLAH WILLIAMS CAME TO PLAY ‼️@mkwill12_ dropped 42 points in @LSUwbkb's win over Kent State, the most points by a freshman in program history. #NCAAWBB pic.twitter.com/IiAhAAsO7r
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) November 14, 2023
As SEC Network's social media account noted, her 42 points are the most by an LSU women's basketball player in 25 seasons.
Mikaylah Williams just dropped 42. The most points by any @LSUwbkb player in the last 25 seasons
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 14, 2023
BUCKET @mkwill12_ pic.twitter.com/N3IgNCJSsY
Per LSU's 2022-23 record book, she's the fourth player to score at least 42 points in a single game, joining a list that includes Maree Jackson (three times), Cornelia Gayden (three times) and Joyce Walker (once).
Against Kent State, Williams showed why she was such a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school with her excellent handles, smooth jumper and ability to hit from anywhere.
Mikaylah Williams has scored 9 of LSU's last 11 points and has the Tigers up 71-56 heading to the fourth.
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) November 14, 2023
The future is here, #LSU fans. pic.twitter.com/5pj3Yjj0ED
Mikaylah Williams is up to 34 points. A human highlight reel. #LSU pic.twitter.com/INSP3VZTGH
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) November 14, 2023
Mikaylah Williams (@mkwill12_) put on a SHOW
— The Committee Sports Group (@TheCommitteeSG) November 14, 2023
▫️42 PTS
▫️7 REB
▫️3 AST
▫️3 STL
▫️75% FG (15-20)
▫️62% 3PT (5-8) #NCAAWBB | @LSUwbkb pic.twitter.com/p1PmAkUY8K
Afterward, Kent State head coach Todd Starkey had high praise for LSU's outstanding freshman.
Kent State coach Todd Starkey with high praise for #LSU star freshman MiKaylah Williams.
— Cory Diaz (@ByCoryDiaz) November 14, 2023
“If Williams keeps playing like that, I think we will have played back-to-back national freshman of the year.”
Kent State played Ta’Niya Latson and Florida State last year. pic.twitter.com/GCfVEFBw1K
Williams' dynamic performance joins a growing list of outstanding performances by freshmen in women's college basketball this season.
USC guard JuJu Watkins leads the Pac-12 in scoring (28.3 points per game) and Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo leads the ACC (28.5 points per game).
No. 7 LSU (3-1) was the preseason No. 1 team in the country before losing in the opener against No. 5 Colorado (3-0). The Tigers have responded well, albeit against weaker competition, outscoring their last three opponents by an average of 49.7 points per game.
Tougher games lie ahead for LSU, which is why a performance like the one Williams had on Tuesday is so important. Gaining confidence in November is huge for a team with plans to play until April.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!