As LSU players return after “soul searching,” Kim Mulkey delivers a message of three points for improvement.

In a game that put a lot of pressure on the LSU players—none more so than their coach, who has been dissatisfied with the team’s defensive performance this season—the Tigers made their court comeback since the mini-Christmas break against the Albany Great Danes.

Mulkey sent the players on a mini-holiday after the Tigers defeated UIC 91-73, their tenth victory of the season by at least 15 points. Mulkey felt that the players needed to do some “soul searching” before they could finish their nonconference schedule and start playing in the SEC.

Before a late shot changed the outcome to an 18-point victory, LSU appeared to be on track for a 20-point triumph. After being dissatisfied with the play, Mulkey gave a devastating interview to LSU’s radio program in which he attacked the defense. “To be honest, our team isn’t proud of it. They believe they are simply good enough to beat everyone. Defense is also labor. You have to dedicate yourself to defense.

Mulkey went on, “We’ve got to improve defensively.” “We simply don’t defend as if it were important. I find it annoying that we defend as if we’re superior to you and will outscore you. The fact that it’s Christmas should make me happy, right? Simply put, I’m overly competitive. Some of those in there need to do some introspection, and I am aware of the challenges we face when we return and begin SEC play.”

Mulkey hasn’t slowed down on the defensive since the team’s comeback against Albany. Mulkey stated, “We need to return to being a better defensive team.” We gave them 11 3-pointers, compared to that team’s average of five per game. How did that occur? Neither the point guard nor anyone else on the perimeter could be stopped from dribbling in. That’s merely an attempt. That’s speed. That is speed.

“You work on it when you get back from the holidays,” the record-breaking instructor continued. You give it significance. They all agree with you and adopt a position.

Mulkey and the Tigers’ coaching staff did not have a comfortable game despite the 22-point victory, as LSU was behind 25-16 at the end of the first quarter and at halftime. However, the No. 6 Baton Rogue team won thanks to a strong second half comeback and a commanding fourth quarter.

Mulkey told reporters after the victory over the Danes, “We’re not going to be the type of team that blows people out.” Too many new parts were acquired. Our responsibilities have evolved. We will improve the more time we spend playing together. The SEC will have superior teams. My worries will never go away.

Mulkey tempered expectations by acknowledging that it will take some time for the new players to settle in. “them expect you to blow them away, and in some ways, we’ve created a monster here. It just will not occur annually. It will no longer be the case that you are up forty at halftime. There are numerous reasons for that. “It’s the opponent as well as new personnel,” Mulkey stated.

Being realistic and asking yourself, ‘What is fair for that particular team that particular year?’ is what you attempt to do. We simply need to get better, win the ones we’re supposed to win, and occasionally upset someone you shouldn’t beat. Participate in ballgames and compete. It’s going to be enjoyable.