Kailyn Gilbert Stats Tonight: How did LSU star fare vs Washington? (Nov 25) 

Junior guard Kailyn Gilbert became the heroine for the Tigers as she delivered a game-winning play in No. 7 LSU's narrow 68-67 victory over Washington on Monday at Baha Mar Convention Center in Nassau, Bahamas.

With 1.6 seconds remaining, Gilbert scooped in a clutch layup to give the Tigers the lead, before securing the win with a steal on Washington’s final possession. She finished with eight points on 3-of-8 shooting, a perfect 2-for-2 at the free throw line, three rebounds and a steal.

The decisive moment came after LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson saved the ball from a backcourt violation during a scramble. Gilbert snagged the loose ball over a diving Washington player, cut through the defense and lofted a shot that bounced off the back rim before falling in. Her immediate steal afterward sealed the Tigers’ hard-fought victory in the opening round of the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship.

Reflecting on the winning shot, Gilbert explained she glanced at the clock as she grabbed the loose ball and realized she had enough time to make her move.

A transfer from Arizona where she had a productive sophomore season starting 19 of 23 games and averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals, Gilbert has embraced a bench role with LSU. This season, she is averaging 7.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.2 apg and 2.3 spg across six games, helping to keep the Tigers undefeated at 7-0.

LSU overcomes adversity in gritty win over Washington

LSU displayed resilience in a hard-fought victory over Washington, despite struggling offensively with a season-low 33% shooting and a dismal 3-of-19 performance from beyond the arc. The Tigers faced an early 24-11 deficit in the first quarter and trailed by 10 at halftime, 36-26.

Capitalizing on opportunities at the foul line, LSU made 15-of-21 free throws, while Washington went 7-of-10. The Tigers also dominated the glass, grabbing 27 offensive rebounds and converting them into 26 second-chance points. Their bench proved decisive, contributing 14 points, while Washington’s reserves failed to score.

LSU finished with a 50-38 edge in total rebounds, although Washington had a defensive presence with five blocks compared to none for the Tigers.

The victory advances LSU to the championship game of the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Tournament, where they will face NC State on Wednesday. Washington will play earlier that day against the Southern Jaguars.