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After dominating Auburn in the quarterfinals, LSU matched up with Ole Miss in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament. A solid showing from both squads, but LSU wouldn’t be denied a trip to the championship game and a rematch with South Carolina.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After jumping out to an early 8-2 advantage, LSU found themselves in a 12-9 slugfest after a 7-4 run by Ole Miss. However, the Tigers regained control of the game with a 7-3 run to take a 19-12 lead after one quarter of play. Aneesah Morrow had eight points to lead the Tigers while Marquesha Davis had six to lead the Rebels.
This matchup continued to be a back-and-forth affair through the second quarter as well, with LSU outscoring Ole Miss 10-9 to hold a 29-21 lead at the second-quarter media timeout with 4:47 remaining. Mikaylah Williams, who missed the Auburn game, has not played up to this point tonight either.
At the half, LSU had a 36-28 lead while dominating the glass, which created second-chance opportunities. Morrow and Flau’jae Johnson each had 10 points in the first half to lead the Tigers while grabbing 27 total rebounds (11 offensive).
Ole Miss cut it to a four point game halfway through the third quarter at 43-39, but a quick offensive burst from the Tigers made it 50-43 with 2:21 left in the third quarter.
Angel Reese and Marquesha Davis continued to battle, trying to give their teams a spot in the SEC title game against South Carolina. With 5:57 remaining in the game, the Tigers had a 62-56 lead with Angel Reese scoring 19 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
There was a scary moment shortly after as Last-Tear Poa had to be stretchered off the floor following a charge attempt.
LSU rounded the game out, staying strong offensively to win 75-67 and punch their ticket to the championship game.
BIG NUMBER: 42
Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson combined for 42 points to lead LSU to their first SEC Championship Game appearance since 2012.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Angel Reese
The SEC Player of the Year had another strong performance in Greenville, scoring 21 points on 9-17 shooting while adding 17 rebounds.
UP NEXT: LSU will meet up with South Carolina once again, this time to decide an SEC Champion. Tip off is set for 2:00 and pregame will begin at 1:30 on Mustang 107.1