Mulkey’s LSU beats Iowa for 1st NCAA title.

In only her second year at Louisiana State University (LSU), Kim Mulkey succeeded in bringing the school its first basketball championship. The Hall of Fame coach led her Tigers to a 102-85 victory over Iowa on Sunday, breaking records with a record offensive performance. “I turn around and look at the Final Four banners (in the home arena), nowhere did it say national champion,” Mulkey said. “That’s what I came home to do.”

Mulkey’s success at LSU now makes her the first women’s coach to win national titles at two different schools, having previously won three at Baylor. Her third national title at LSU also puts her in third place for most national titles, behind Geno Auriemma’s 11 and Pat Summitt’s eight. She has never lost in a championship game.

The win was a result of excellent team play, with Jasmine Carson scoring 22 points, Alexis Morris adding 21, and Angel Reese contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds. Reese was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Caitlin Clark, The Associated Press national player of the year, could not lead Iowa to its first national title despite an outstanding individual performance. The junior scored 30 points in the final.

Despite Iowa’s strong showing, LSU’s 102 points broke the previous record for points scored in a championship game, surpassing the 97 that Texas scored against Southern California in 1986. Taking in the game was first lady Jill Biden, who sat in a suite above the court with tennis great Billie Jean King.

As the final seconds ticked off, Mulkey and Reese hugged, setting off a wild celebration by the Tigers. “With about 1:30 to go, I couldn’t hold it. I got very emotional,” Mulkey said. “That’s not like me, but I knew we would hold on and win this game. I don’t what it was, but I lost it. Very emotional and tears of joy. Don’t know if it’s the mere fact that we’re doing it in my second year back home or that I am back home.”

The victory marks a milestone in Mulkey’s career, cementing her status as one of the most successful coaches in women’s basketball history.