LSU women’s basketball continued its impressive season with a dominant performance at home, scorching Mississippi State in an SEC showdown. The game, played at Pete Maravich Assembly Center, saw the Tigers extend their hot streak, further solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the Southeastern Conference. With stellar performances from key players, LSU showcased a mixture of offensive firepower and defensive prowess that proved too much for the Bulldogs to handle.
A Hot Start
From the opening tip-off, LSU was on fire. Their intensity was evident in the way they attacked both sides of the ball. The Tigersâ offense moved fluidly, with fast ball movement and crisp shooting. Mississippi State, known for its strong defense, struggled to contain LSU’s dynamic offensive sets. The Tigers’ ball handlers were constantly probing the defense, creating open looks for themselves and their teammates.
LSUâs shooting was a major factor in their early dominance. Three-pointers from key players kept Mississippi State on its heels, and their ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc created space inside. The Tigers’ guards, in particular, were aggressive in attacking the basket, forcing the Bulldogs to collapse defensively and leave shooters open on the perimeter.
The Dominance of Angel Reese
A standout in the contest was Angel Reese, who had another remarkable game. Reeseâs presence on both ends of the court was undeniable. On offense, she was nearly unstoppable, finishing plays around the basket with efficiency and power. Her rebounding, an area in which she has consistently excelled, was critical to LSU’s success, allowing the Tigers to dominate the glass and limit Mississippi Stateâs second-chance opportunities.
Reeseâs ability to impact the game wasnât just limited to scoring. She facilitated LSUâs offense with her high basketball IQ, often finding the open player or making plays that led to easy baskets. Her leadership and composure on the floor were invaluable, especially when Mississippi State tried to make runs or disrupt the tempo of the game.
Defensive Stifling
While LSUâs offense was impressive, it was the Tigers’ defense that truly set the tone. Mississippi State, a team that thrives on tough, physical play, found itself frustrated by LSU’s defensive schemes. The Tigers were relentless, locking down shooters and forcing the Bulldogs into difficult shots. LSUâs ability to switch on screens and provide help defense disrupted Mississippi State’s offensive flow, making it difficult for them to establish any rhythm.
Key defensive contributions came from multiple players, including guards who pressured the ball full-court and forwards who were active in blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. The Tigersâ defense was suffocating, not allowing Mississippi State to get comfortable on offense. As a result, the Bulldogs were forced into hurried decisions and struggled to execute their plays with any consistency.
Key Contributions Beyond Reese
While Angel Reese was the headliner, LSUâs depth was on full display. Several other players contributed significantly to the teamâs success. The guard play was exceptional, with several players contributing scoring and creating opportunities for others. The Tigersâ ability to share the ball and keep the defense on its toes made it difficult for Mississippi State to key in on one individual player.
LSUâs bench also played a crucial role in the victory. The Tigers’ depth allowed them to rotate fresh players in without sacrificing intensity or efficiency. This constant energy and fresh legs wore down the Mississippi State defense, as they struggled to keep up with LSUâs pace throughout the game. Bench players contributed defensively as well, making crucial stops and coming up with timely rebounds to maintain LSUâs control over the game.
Mississippi Stateâs Struggles
For Mississippi State, the game was a tough one. They entered the contest as a solid team with defensive pedigree, but LSU’s offensive firepower proved too much. The Bulldogs’ defense, which is typically their strong suit, found it hard to keep up with LSUâs movement and shooting. Mississippi State was forced to chase shooters off screens, and their inability to effectively guard the perimeter gave LSU too many open looks.
On offense, the Bulldogs struggled to find consistency. LSUâs defense stifled Mississippi Stateâs ball movement and forced them into taking low-percentage shots. The Bulldogs found it hard to execute in the half-court offense, and when they did get open looks, they often couldnât convert. Their leading scorers were held in check by LSUâs defense, making it difficult to mount any significant runs to get back into the game.
Turning Point of the Game
One of the pivotal moments in the game came in the second quarter, when LSU went on a 10-0 run that completely shifted the momentum. During this stretch, the Tigers were both efficient offensively and locked in defensively, forcing Mississippi State into turnovers and missed shots. This sequence not only put LSU up by a comfortable margin but also demoralized the Bulldogs, who struggled to recover after that point.
LSU’s ability to maintain control and execute during this run was a testament to their poise and preparation. They didnât allow the Bulldogs to find any rhythm or capitalize on any opportunities to climb back into the game. By the time the second half began, LSU had a double-digit lead, and Mississippi State’s hopes of pulling off a comeback grew slimmer by the minute.
Coaching and Strategy
Head coach Kim Mulkey continues to impress in her second year at LSU, implementing a style of play that maximizes her teamâs strengths. Mulkeyâs strategic approach, focusing on a fast-paced offense and a stifling defense, has allowed LSU to dominate opponents in multiple facets of the game. Her ability to rotate players and keep fresh legs on the floor was crucial in this victory, as Mississippi Stateâs defense seemed to tire under the relentless pressure of the Tigers.
Mulkeyâs halftime adjustments were also noteworthy. After a solid first half, LSU came out even more determined after the break, showing no signs of complacency. Her team’s ability to execute her game plan flawlessly speaks volumes about her coaching acumen and the trust her players have in her leadership.
Post-Game Reflection
Following the victory, Mulkey and her players were understandably pleased with the result but stressed the importance of continuing to build on their success. Mulkey mentioned in the post-game press conference that while the win was a step in the right direction, LSU still had areas to improve upon as they look toward the remainder of their SEC schedule. Despite the win, the Tigers’ coach emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and keeping their intensity high throughout the season, especially with tough games ahead.
Angel Reese also reflected on the teamâs performance, crediting her teammates for their collective effort. She highlighted the unselfish play and team-oriented mindset that helped LSU dominate both ends of the floor. Reeseâs leadership was evident, and her recognition of the teamâs collective success rather than individual accolades showed maturity and understanding of what makes LSU a dangerous team.
