BATON ROUGE — LSU, ranked third, secured a spot in the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year after a dominant second half performance led to an 83-56 victory over Middle Tennessee State, ranked eleventh, in the PMAC on Sunday.
Angel Reese expressed her determination not to disappoint her team and ensured their advancement with a stellar performance. She emphasized her strong relationship with Coach, who provided crucial support and motivation.
Initially trailing by four points at halftime, LSU rallied impressively after the break. Hailey Van Lith’s defensive prowess, particularly against Savannah Wheeler, shifted the momentum in LSU’s favor. The team’s defensive efforts limited Middle Tennessee State to just two three-pointers in the second half, down from six in the first, and resulted in six steals. Additionally, LSU capitalized on MTSU’s foul trouble, with three players fouling out and three others accumulating four fouls.
Flau’Jae Johnson credited Van Lith for neutralizing MTSU’s key player, Savannah Wheeler, emphasizing her role in setting the defensive tone.
LSU’s victory marks their 16th appearance in the Sweet 16, with back-to-back qualifications for the first time since 2013-2014. The electric atmosphere at PMAC, with a crowd of 12,632, fueled the team’s performance.
Johnson led LSU’s scoring with 21 points, while Angel Reese secured her 14th consecutive double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Aneesah Morrow also achieved a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Mikaylah Williams contributed 16 points.
Savannah Wheeler led MTSU’s scoring with 21 points, followed by Ta’Mia Scott with 15. Jada Grannum and Courtney Whitson were prominent on the boards for MTSU.
LSU’s offensive output of 83 points was the highest allowed by MTSU all season, ending their 20-game win streak. LSU’s 51-point second-half performance was also the most points MTSU conceded in a half all season.
Both teams shot 39% in the first half, but LSU improved to 48% in the second half while MTSU dropped to 28%. Turnovers proved costly for MTSU, with LSU capitalizing on their mistakes to score 16 points.
Middle Tennessee briefly held the lead in the first quarter, but LSU responded swiftly to establish control. Despite MTSU’s efforts, LSU maintained a lead throughout the second half, eventually securing a commanding 27-point victory and advancing to the Sweet 16.
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