The LSU women’s basketball team overcame a sluggish start and managed to defeat Rice 70-60, securing their passage beyond the opening round of the NCAA tournament.
Despite being seeded third, the Tigers struggled with a season-high 24 turnovers, which significantly impeded their offensive flow during the game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The 14th-seeded Owls remained competitive well into the second half, posing a threat to cause an upset, until LSU eventually found their rhythm on offense.
Coach Kim Mulkey expressed her concerns about the team’s mindset, suggesting a possible lack of urgency and awareness of the potential for defeat. However, the Tigers began to assert themselves in the latter part of the third quarter. Flau’jae Johnson ignited a surge in offense, followed by Mikaylah Williams, whose crucial baskets helped LSU to embark on a 10-2 run, allowing them to carry an 11-point advantage into the fourth quarter.
Initially, Williams and Reese successfully executed layups. Following that, Williams capitalized on an opportunity with a wide-open 3-pointer from the right wing before earning a trip to the free-throw line, where she made both of her attempts.
The brief surge in scoring was sufficient for LSU to regain control of the game from Rice, despite being outscored in the paint and experiencing an uncharacteristically low shooting percentage of 43%.
Next up, LSU will face No. 11-seeded Middle Tennessee in the second round on Sunday. Middle Tennessee staged a remarkable comeback earlier on Friday, rallying from an 18-point deficit to upset No. 6 Louisville 71-69 at the PMAC.
Reflecting on their offensive struggles, Hailey Van Lith remarked, “We weren’t hitting shots like we’re accustomed to. We were definitely in a bit of a slump during that game. The most important thing is to acknowledge it, move on, and not dwell on it. It’s in the past now.”
In the opening half against Rice, LSU struggled with their shooting accuracy, managing a mere 37% from the field. Additionally, they faced significant issues with ball control, turning the ball over a staggering 13 times. Despite Rice committing turnovers, LSU capitalized minimally, scoring just two points off the 10 turnovers before halftime.
During a crucial two-minute span in the second quarter, LSU embarked on a 10-2 scoring streak, granting them a 24-16 lead with 4:30 remaining. However, Rice swiftly countered with a barrage of three-pointers, narrowing the halftime deficit to just 30-27.
While LSU effectively limited Rice to a 37% shooting rate in the first half, their own offensive production faltered, managing only eight points in the paint and none on fast breaks. Morrow notably contributed 10 points, sinking four of her first six field goal attempts. In contrast, Reese struggled with her shooting, failing to convert her initial four shots and mustering only four points in the first half, all from free throws. Her first field goal conversion didn’t occur until late in the third quarter, at the 3:42 mark.
Reese wasn’t alone in struggling against Rice’s challenging 1-3-1 zone defense, which involved one guard pressuring the ball high while the remaining four defenders crowded the lane.
Van Lith expressed her thoughts on the team’s offensive approach, noting a lack of aggression in attacking the basket. She observed a tendency to settle for outside shots, passively overpassing at times. Van Lith believed this was a valuable lesson for the team to learn from.
Van Lith encountered difficulties in her shooting, missing three of her first four attempts. Williams also faced challenges, throwing up a couple of airballs and misfiring on four of her initial seven shots. Poa similarly struggled, coming up short on three of her first four attempts.
However, each player showed improvement in the second half. Van Lith concluded with just seven points but made a crucial mid-range jumper halfway through the fourth quarter, capitalizing on a pump fake to extend LSU’s lead to 55-46.
Reese wrapped up her performance with 10 points and an impressive 19 rebounds, despite struggling with her field goal shooting, making only 1 of 7 attempts but demonstrating accuracy from the foul line, converting 8 of 12 attempts. Johnson contributed 14 points along with four assists, while Williams also added 14 points on 5 of 10 shooting. Morrow, who led LSU’s offense during a challenging first half, concluded with a team-high 15 points and seven rebounds.
Reflecting on the game, Reese emphasized the need for improvement in various aspects of their play, including ball movement, shot selection, and efficiency around the basket.
Despite being outscored by Rice in the paint, LSU’s advantage in free throw attempts proved significant, attempting 23 more than the Owls. Overall, LSU shot 22 of 31 from the free throw line, whereas Rice managed only 6 of 8.
Coach Mulkey acknowledged the game’s less-than-ideal nature, describing it as “ugly.” However, she emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective, highlighting that despite the challenges, LSU emerged victorious, securing advancement in the tournament.
It’s anticipated that the Tigers will need to deliver a sharper performance against Middle Tennessee on Sunday. The victor of that matchup will progress to Albany, New York, for the Sweet 16 round of the tournament.