LSU seized control in the second quarter by outscoring Louisiana 20-4 in the period as the Tigers would go on to pick up a 70-41 road victory on Thursday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The two teams battled back and forth for the first quarter. LSU took an early 3-1 lead but Makayia Hallmon’s three-pointer gave Louisiana a 4-3 lead. The two teams traded buckets and turnovers throughout the first quarter.
At the end of the first, the score was tied 10-10.
LSU’s Ryann Payne opened up the second quarter with a layup but Louisiana answered with Destiny Rice hitting a layup. With 8:39 left in the second, the game was tied 12-12 but the Tigers would soon take over.
LSU would outscore Louisiana 18-2 the rest of the quarter to take a commanding 30-14 halftime lead. The Ragin’ Cajuns committed 17 turnovers in the first half, including being called for travel six times.
Louisiana was never able to truly cut into LSU’s lead in the final two quarters, as coach Kim Mulkey’s team kept its advantage around 20 points for the majority of the second half.
BIG NUMBER: 25
LSU’s physical post players caused problems for Louisiana during Thursday night’s game. The Ragin’ Cajuns committed 25 turnovers, including 17 in the first half.
BIG NUMBER II: 6
LSU’s defense frustrated Louisiana but Louisiana also committed several self-inflicted miscues. In the first half, the Ragin’ Cajuns were called for traveling six times.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: AWA TRASI
The LSU senior guard-forward out of France scored 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting while also pulling down six rebounds in the victory.
UP NEXT: LSU (2-1) will host Tulane on Tuesday at the PMAC. Tip set for 6 p.m. Louisiana (2-1) meanwhile will host UNO on Saturday at the Cajundome. Tip is set for 2 p.m.