LSU Women’s Basketball: Masterful Adaptations Lead to 75-60 Victory Against Tennessee”
LSU women’s basketball team huddles up following a Auburn score Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, during LSU’s 71-66 win over Auburn Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, La.
In the previous matchup between Kim Mulkey’s Tigers and Tennessee, LSU suffered a narrow two-point loss during the Southeastern Conference Tournament. However, their recent clash in Knoxville ended on a different note, with LSU claiming a decisive 75-60 victory.
Tennessee’s strategy to limit LSU’s presence in the paint and restrict their opportunities at the foul line forced the Tigers to adapt, especially evident in the closely contested first half. Despite Tennessee’s efforts to narrow the gap in the second half, LSU managed to maintain their lead through strategic adjustments and timely plays.
LSU’s collective shooting performance resulted in a 29-for-88 (33%) field goal percentage and a 6-for-15 (40%) rate from beyond the arc. Hailey Van Lith’s standout performance in the latter half was instrumental in securing the win. Van Lith, the transfer guard from Louisville, Kentucky, showcased her scoring ability with 26 points, her highest tally since joining LSU, while also contributing seven rebounds and three assists.
Van Lith’s seamless transition to her new role on the team was evident as she balanced playmaking responsibilities with scoring efficiency, particularly crucial during pivotal moments when Tennessee threatened to gain momentum. Notably, she scored 16 of her 26 points in the second half, including two crucial three-pointers.
During the fourth quarter, LSU orchestrated a surge, outscoring Tennessee 27-15 while posting impressive shooting percentages of 45.5% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. Mikaylah Williams and Flau’jae Johnson made significant contributions during this period, alongside Angel Reese, who found her rhythm in the second half after facing initial containment efforts by Tennessee.
Reese, despite encountering defensive pressure from Tennessee’s Tamari Key, secured a double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds. Aneesah Morrow also stepped up, registering eight points and 13 rebounds to counter Tennessee’s defensive strategy effectively.
Though Tennessee staged a commendable comeback attempt in the third quarter, narrowing LSU’s lead to just two points at one stage, LSU’s resilience and Tennessee’s shooting struggles ultimately thwarted their efforts. Tennessee’s shooting percentages of 31% from the field and 16% from beyond the arc, coupled with turnovers and LSU’s dominance in transition, hindered their aspirations of a full-fledged comeback.
Rickea Jackson led Tennessee’s scoring efforts with 16 points, supported by commendable contributions from Tess Darby, Jasmine Powell, and Sara Puckett. Despite their spirited third-quarter resurgence, Tennessee fell short against LSU’s determined and cohesive performance.
