LSU wasn’t expected to face much trouble in its NCAA Tournament opener. And they didn’t. Coach Kim Mulkey’s teams have now racked up 22 straight first-round wins, and the latest addition to that streak was an absolute demolition job. A 103-48 win over No. 14 seed San Diego State. Yes, that’s what dominance looks like. But you know who else won big on Saturday? Kim Mulkey’s bank account.
For leading her Tigers to the second round, Mulkey just cashed in a $35,000 bonus. That brings her total bonus earnings to $65,000 so far in this NCAA Tournament run. And when you’re already one of the highest-paid women’s basketball coaches in the game, every little (or not-so-little) bonus adds some extra shine.
Mulkey, who signed a 10-year, $32 million deal with LSU that runs through June 2033, takes home a base salary of $400,000 per year. But her contract is packed with incentives and bonuses, like the one she just earned, that make that number look even sweeter.
And she has her players to thank for this latest payday because they absolutely cooked San Diego State to get her that check. Lady Tigers were no time in setting the tone for this one.
LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey adds $35,000 bonus as Tigers advance to second round of NCAA tournament with win over San Diego State.
Mulkey has $65,000 in bonuses so far.
— Steve Berkowitz (@ByBerkowitz) March 23, 2025
Flau’jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow, both back from injuries, helped the Tigers rattle off the first 11 points of the game, and from there, it was a wrap. It was the most points LSU has ever scored in an NCAA Tournament game—yes, even more than the 102 they dropped on Iowa in last year’s national title game.
Johnson looked completely recovered, dropping 22 points in just 22 minutes. Morrow chipped in a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double in her 25 minutes. LSU shot a blistering 50% from the field, and six different players hit double figures. Even freshman Miracle Sheppard got in on the fun, adding 10 points in just 16 minutes off the bench. On the other side, San Diego never really stood a chance.
The Aztecs, fresh off a thrilling triple-overtime win over Wyoming to make the tournament, ran into a buzzsaw. Their top freshman, Natalia Martinez, managed just seven points, while Big 4 had more than that by halftime. Brutal. By the break, LSU was already up by 29. The lead ballooned to 56 before the final buzzer. And just like that, Mulkey’s undefeated first-round streak remained intact—a streak that’s been alive since 2001.
Now, the Tigers are eyeing a trip to Spokane, Washington, with two more wins. But while we wait to see what they do next on the court, let’s talk about something just as legendary as their play: Kim Mulkey’s outfit.
Kim Mulkey’s madness of the fashion variety
You know it’s March Madness when people are just as hyped about Kim Mulkey’s wardrobe as they are about the games. And if we have to be honest, at this point, it’s a tradition to see what she’s going to pull out of her closet.
For this game, the coach did not disappoint. She stepped onto the court in a powder blue pantsuit that was as sharp as LSU’s offense. The matching textured blue heels were just perfect to go with it. But the real star of the fit was a sash of intricate, powdery blue flowers sewn along the front, left shoulder, and right sleeve. Underneath, she kept it classic with a simple white top.
Fans were locked in, not just on LSU’s dominance, but on Mulkey’s fashion statement. And this is just the first game. If history has taught us anything, it’s that her outfit game is only going to get bolder as the tournament goes on.
Jan 19, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey looks on against the Florida Gators during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
At this point, part of the reason we want LSU to keep winning is so we can see what she wears next. Now, the Tigers turn their focus to the Round of 32, where they’ll face No. 6 seed Florida State on Monday at 5 p.m. Can LSU keep the momentum rolling to survive? We’ll find out soon!
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