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What to know about the LSU Tigers’ Final Four opponent Virginia Tech

By Charlie Hubbard

Louisiana State University forward Amani Bartlett (23) and Louisiana State University forward LaDazhia Williams (0) play in confetti on the court after winning the NCAA Women's Greenville Regional Elite Eight Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 26, 2023.Elite Eight Round Of The Ncaa Women S Tournament
Louisiana State University forward Amani Bartlett (23) and Louisiana State University forward LaDazhia Williams (0) play in confetti on the court after winning the NCAA Women's Greenville Regional Elite Eight Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 26, 2023.Elite Eight Round Of The Ncaa Women S Tournament /
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The LSU Tigers advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 2008. Now, we turn attention to what’s ahead vs. Virginia Tech in Dallas.

The LSU Tigers knocked off a feisty Miami team in the Elite Eight. The game was ugly, to say the least. Even Kim Mulkey said she would’ve turned the TV off if she was watching at home. The game saw a combined 30.8% field goal percentage to go along with a 1/27 performance from beyond the arc.

The Tigers survived but must play much better to have a chance at the National Championship. That said, here’s what we know about LSU’s Final Four opponent.

Virginia Tech Hokies (31-4)

The Virginia Tech Hokies are the No. 1 seed in their bracket and are in the Final Four for the first time in program history. Head coach Kenny Brooks has led the Hokies to national prominence. He is in his seventh season as Tech’s head coach and posted winning seasons every year since taking the helm at Blacksburg.

Senior center Elizabeth Kitley leads Virginia Tech with averages of 18.2 PPG and 10.7 RPG. Kitley was lights out in the Elite Eight, dropping 25 points and 12 rebounds on Ohio State. Tech has three other players that averaged double-digit points this season, including Georgia Amoore. She averages 16.3 PPG behind a 34.9% three-point percentage.

Virginia Tech is a very efficient offensive team, ranking in the top 40 in both field goal and three-point percentage. The team averages 72.43 PPG while holding their opponents to only 57.14 PPG. Much like the LSU Tigers, they can work teams in the paint, and when the defense starts to collapse, they can kick it out to their shooters.

Tech’s shooters hit threes at a 34.8% clip.

How the LSU Tigers match up against the Hokies

LSU is going to have to work their offense the same way. Angel Reese started the game against Miami slowly, not making a single field goal in the first half. We’re guessing she will come out motivated in the Final Four and prevent any early scoring drought.

Once LSU’s defense inevitably starts double-teaming Reese, she must look for Alexis Morris or Jasmine Carson to knock down some threes.

Angel Reese must dominate the glass for the Tigers to pull this one out

The Tigers rank 3rd in the nation in RPG, whereas the Hokies rank 121st. Second chances on offense could be a significant factor in this game, especially for the Tigers. LSU’s 17.1 offensive RPG is almost double Tech’s average of 10.2 offensive RPG. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Angel Reese must dominate the glass for the Tigers to pull this one out.

After playing a weaker regular season schedule, the LSU Tigers have been battle-tested in the tournament. Their rugged tournament path could prove crucial against a Hokies team that is 8-2 against ranked opponents this season.

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As games in March always are, this one will be a battle. For the LSU Tigers to have a chance, they must drastically improve offensively from their Elite Eight performance. LSU has played great defense and has crashed the boards well all tournament, so if the offense can get rolling early, they’ll be a tough out.

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