Third-quarter Kim Mulkey magic strikes again.

The first two quarters were not pretty for No. 10 LSU women's basketball at Alabama on Thursday. The Crimson Tide led at the half as the Tigers meandered through the first 20 minutes, looking out of sorts and not capitalizing in spots where they normally would.

LSU pieced together a 22-4 run coming out of the locker room to start the second half, seizing control of the game en route to toppling Alabama, 78-58, inside Coleman Coliseum.

The Tigers (17-2, 4-1) bounced back from their first Southeastern Conference loss at Auburn last Sunday.

LSU women's basketball's halfcourt offense in a funk

After making its first three shots of the game, LSU didn't finish consecutive trips on offense again until late in the first half.

Alabama (15-5, 2-3) switched up defenses, from matchup zone to man, and it worked on LSU, keeping it from even remotely finding an offensive rhythm. Mulkey has said that LSU can score but the past couple of games, the offense has been anything but efficient.

LSU missed 20 layups.

Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow had plenty of opportunities for second-chance points, but only converted a handful of times. When the Tigers got turnovers, but immediately followed up some sloppy play of their own at times.

It's true LSU is in conference play and will see tougher defenses, but the team hasn't looked comfortable the last two games.

Alabama Crimson Tide's Aaliyah Nye shines light on LSU's struggles contesting the 3-pointer

Nye ranks third in Division I in made 3's with 63 coming into Thursday's game. Surely she would've been on LSU's scouting report.

The Tigers still had major issues defending her on the perimeter as Nye made four 3's in the first half for 18 points through the first two quarters as Alabama led, 35-34, at the break.

Nye's success against LSU isn't surprising as Mulkey's group has struggled to adequately defend the 3 against the better shooting teams this season. It ultimately didn't doom them in Tuscaloosa but as the season progresses, LSU's lackluster 3-pointer defense could spell disaster.

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LSU more than doubles up Alabama in offensive rebounds

Alabama couldn't handle Reese, Morrow and Flau'jae Johnson on the boards. And where the Tigers forwards burned the Tide the most was on the offensive glass. The Tigers amassed 53 total rebounds.

Both players finished with a double-double — Reese with a game-high 20 points and 15 rebounds, 11 of those offensive rebounds.

LSU had the height advantage and took advantage of it, extending possessions for its offense while limiting extra looks for Alabama.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU/UL athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU women's basketball overcomes slow start to take down Alabama