On Friday Night, a trip to the Elite Eight is on the line as the 3rd seeded LSU Lady Tigers face off against the 2nd seeded NC State Wolfpack. This is a rematch of an early season game as LSU won the first matchup 82-65 in the Bahamas in November. This time around, the game will have much higher stakes and as both teams developed this year, the game will be much different.
After losing to LSU and falling to 4-3, NC State snapped into rhythm with a 24-3 record since as they've become a complete team. LSU in many ways is still that same team from November but, they're playing at a higher level after getting time to rest and recover before the NCAA Tournament. If the Lady Tigers are going to win once again advancing to the Elite 8, LSU will need three things to go their way on Friday.
A dominant showing inside by Aneesah Morrow and Sa'Myah Smith
In the initial matchup between LSU and NC State, Aneesah Morrow was dominant as she always is scoring 20 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. In LSU's Round of 32 win over Florida State, Aneesah Morrow and Sa'Myah Smith dominated the Seminoles combining for 46 points and 26 rebounds.
For Kim Mulkey's team, the dominance inside is something to lean on even with as good of guard play as the Lady Tigers get. Leaning on the two stars inside will only force the defense to shrink allowing Flau'Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams open looks from the outside.
A need for solid scoring off of the bench
One of the themes of the season has been LSU looking to the bench for someone to step up each game providing a scoring threat when LSU's stars need a breather. In LSU's win over Florida State, the Lady Tigers didn't find that as Jada Richard led the bench with 6 points on 3-9 shooting. When LSU dismantled San Diego State, Shayeann Day Wilson and Mjracle Sheppard both stepped up with key performances.
NC State is going to do whatever it can to slow LSU's big three but, while they're out of the game, someone needs to take charge off the bench. Kailyn Gilbert has struggled as of late but, she's the perfect candidate to step up and deliver a signature performance like she has in the past. LSU needs all hands on deck and if the starters aren't able to get it done either, someone needs to provide that spark off of the bench.
Getting another stellar performance from Mikaylah Williams
Sometimes Mikaylah Williams dominance gets lost as her teammates Aneesah Morrow and Flau'Jae Johnson continue to impress. When Mikaylah Williams performs like she did against Florida State scoring 28 points shooting 83.33% from the floor, it's hard to overlook how important she is for LSU. In the first matchup, Mikaylah Williams led all scorers and if she can repeat that feat in this game, the Lady Tigers should come out on top.