The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team survived the Rice Owls 70-60 in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Friday afternoon. The win moves LSU into the Second Round against Middle Tennessee State on Sunday.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with rather sluggish offense on both ends. Rice settled for outside jump shots early on, and they were not falling. LSU started off a bit slow, but still found themselves out to a 7-0 lead thanks to a trio of different scorers. A 6-0 run for Rice cut the lead to one, but the Tigers answered with a 5-0 run to end the quarter with a 12-6 lead.
The second quarter began with the Owls scoring six straight to tie the game 12-12. The teams would go back and forth before LSU put a run together that was sparked by Aneesah Morrow. Morrow scored eight of the next 12 points to allow LSU to take an eight-point lead. The Owls, however, aided by three-point shots from Emily Klaczek, got back into it and cut the deficit to three at 30-27 heading into the half. Angel Reese was held to just four first half points but did secure 11 rebounds.
The second half began with both teams trading baskets, seeking to gain control. Eventually, a near-capacity crowd started helping out on the LSU side, and they seized the momentum with an 11-2 run to go up 51-40. This time, Mikaylah Williams triggered the offense. The third quarter ended with LSU ahead 53-42.
In the fourth, LSU managed to keep the margin at a mostly comfortable distance. The Owls had leading scorer at the time Malia Fisher foul out less than halfway through the quarter, hurting their chances offensively. Additionally, LSU continued to work their way to the free throw line. While they did not have their best percentage night at the stripe, the volume was enough to keep the cushion. Eventually, the Tigers finally put Rice away.
BIG NUMBER: 31
LSU worked their way to the free throw line 31 times. While they only made 22, it was still enough to help them build and protect the lead. They also made most of the ones taken in the fourth quarter.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Aneesah Morrow
On a day where the Tigers’ offense struggled, Morrow helped fill the dry stretches with some offense. She finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, with all of her points coming inside of the arc.
UP NEXT: 3 seed LSU will face 11 seed Middle Tennessee on Sunday inside the PMAC.