LSU Tigers: What their loss to Tennessee means for the NCAA tournament

The LSU Tigers were arguably the second-best women’s college basketball team heading into Saturday night. However, things have dramatically changed after LSU’s loss to Tennessee.

LSU Tigers fans antsy for a women’s basketball rematch with South Carolina were disappointed on Saturday night. Despite an early 17-point lead, LSU was in awe as Tennessee snagged a 69-67 win in the SEC Tournament semifinals. As a result, the Tigers’ hopes for a tournament regional top seed are gone. Moreover, there is new doubt regarding LSU’s ability to reach the Women’s Final Four.

Kim Mulkey’s squad seemed helpless in the 3rd quarter against Tennessee

The LSU Tigers looked overmatched on the court for the second time this season. After taking the lead into the half, Kim Mulkey’s squad seemed helpless in the 3rd quarter against Tennessee. The Vols ripped off a 14-3 run that significantly cut into LSU’s lead. Not long after, Tennessee took a 60-58 lead in the 4th quarter.

The Tigers struggled with late-game momentum at times during the regular season. However, Saturday was the first time LSU could not rally late and close out a contested win. LSU was out-scored 43 to 27 in the 2nd half, thus, raising questions about their NCAA tournament capabilities.

The LSU Tigers head into March Madness with only two losses, but both defeats share a common theme. South Carolina and Tennessee proved opponents could pressure LSU into lousy shot selection later in games. Such was the case in the Tigers’ poor 2nd half against the Gamecocks and again, in Saturday’s SEC tournament semifinal.

LSU’s offense collapsed against the Vols, as evidenced by their 33.3% shooting in the 2nd half. Tigers fans will continue griping about a (bogus) 4th quarter offensive foul call against Angel Reese. However, one bad call is not why the Bayou Bengals were upset by Tennessee. LSU lost because the Vols took the floor with something to prove later in the game. Conversely, the Tigers took the floor overconfident, naïve, or both.

There’s a danger to teams that don’t encounter adversity until late into a season. But, unfortunately, in many cases, teams cannot overcome the belated tests of will and desire. Now, LSU Tigers fans wonder if such will plague Mulkey’s team in the NCAA tournament. Also, one cannot help but wonder if Saturday’s loss damages LSU’s confidence just before March Madness.

The LSU Tigers must pick themselves up and prepare for the NCAA women’s tournament. Indeed, the tournament will feature more significant stakes and better competition, including countless teams with something to prove. Suffice it to say; the Tigers must play like a team with everything to prove.

We’re guessing LSU is a 2-seed in their selected region of the NCAA tournament. Fans will know for sure following Sunday’s bracket selection.