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LSU Tigers headed to the women’s Elite Eight after win over Utah

By John Fye

Mar 24, 2023; Greenville, SC, USA; LSU Lady Tigers forward LaDazhia Williams (0) reacts to her basket during the second half against the Utah Utes at the NCAA Women’s Tourney at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2023; Greenville, SC, USA; LSU Lady Tigers forward LaDazhia Williams (0) reacts to her basket during the second half against the Utah Utes at the NCAA Women’s Tourney at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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LSU Tigers doing the ‘griddy’ dance is always a sign of victory. Such was the case on Friday night after the Bayou Bengals defeated Utah.

The LSU Tigers (31-2) are heading to the women’s Elite Eight for the first time since 2008. This results from LSU’s nail-biting 66-63 win over the Utah Utes in the women’s Sweet 16.

LSU’s LaDazhia Williams enabled the Tigers’ win with a career game. The Missouri transfer dominated the frontcourt to the tune of 24 points, including 11-16 in field goals. Williams’ play was especially critical after Angel Reese found herself in foul trouble in the second quarter.

Additionally, Williams contributed two blocks, two steals, and six rebounds.

The Utah Utes (27-5) and Alissa Pili gave Reese everything they had in and around the post. Reese did not match her dominant performances from the LSU Tigers’ first pair of women’s NCAA Tournament games. However, the forward finished with 17 points, three blocks, and 12 rebounds.

Most importantly, Reese combined with Williams to limit Pili to 14 points and five rebounds.

Kim Mulkey continues to show why she’s women’s college basketball coaching immortality. Mulkey entered the court in Greenville with some serious Ric Flair drip. As a result, social media is having fun with her impressive outfit.

More impressive is that Mulkey has the LSU Tigers in the Elite Eight in year two. However, few are surprised at the early success given Mulkey’s legendary resume from her tenure at Baylor.

In her on-court, postgame interview, Mulkey commended Utah by saying, “they played their hearts out…”. The LSU head coach was also asked about her initial thoughts regarding their Elite Eight opponent in Miami. “You better rebound, you better rebound…” Mulkey enthusiastically stated.

Indeed, the LSU Tigers will move on to the Elite Eight to square off against the Miami Hurricanes (22-12). Miami upset Villanova 70-65 earlier in the day. The women’s Elite Eight tips off on Sunday, March 26.

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The LSU Tigers are one more tournament win away from earning their first women’s Final Four trip since 2008.

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