The LSU Lady Tigers started their hunt for a National Championship at home as they hosted the San Diego Aztecs in the Pete Maravich Arena. From the start of the game LSU sent a clear message that they were healthy and ready to dominate their opponent cruising to victory in a game they put out of reach in the second quarter.
Leaving the game, there are some clear takeaways on the game and what LSU's performance means going forward.
Red Hot Start sent the message
The biggest question coming into this game was around how LSU would look especially Flau'Jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow as both came off of injuries. The long layoff and the long break between Johnson's last game were quickly dismissed when LSU jumped out to an 11-0 lead sending a statement early.
Flau'Jae Johnson decided to show everyone she was healthy and ready to go from the jump as she went 3-4 in the first quarter knocking down a pair of three pointers scoring 8 points. Aneesah Morrow looked refreshed as well scoring 8 points while grabbing 5 rebounds and disrupting play inside on defense.
When you start a game as dominant as LSU was at the start, it sends a clear message that there won't be an upset, and it quickly takes the opponent out of their gameplan which LSU was able to do on Saturday Night.
The Gameplan was to rain three's early on
It was clear early on that San Diego State's game plan on defense was to crowd the paint making LSU beat them from deep. Kim Mulkey's team said game on, hitting 5 of their first 6 three pointers which allowed the Tigers to take a 27-10 lead after the first quarter. After San Diego State started to move out of the paint, LSU started to roll through San Diego State attacking the basket.
LSU's Defense turned this game into a dogfight
Oftentimes, the lower seeded team is looking to send a message by making the game a war with hard-nosed tough defense and hustle. Instead, it was LSU who brought their hard hats as the Lady Tigers were diving all over the floor for 50/50 balls and daring San Diego State to drive to the rim. In the end, San Diego State shot just XX% from the field and xx% from three as LSU's defense didn't give them any easy baskets.
What a difference being healthy makes
When the Lady Tigers were going through the final stretch of the season, it was clear that the wear and tear of the season slowed LSU down. The answer to would you rather rest or rust was answered as LSU looked lie the dominant team we saw for most of the season after the extended time off. The long stretch without a game will only help LSU going forward as LSU clearly needed a reset.
Day-Wilson, Sheppard step up
One of the biggest storylines this entire season has been inconsistent contributions from LSU’s bench. In this game, Kim Mulkey got a great showing from Mjracle Sheppard as she scored 10 points on 4-4 shooting from the field. Day-Wilson came off of the bench for LSU and had one of her best games of the season scoring 11 points knocking down 3 three pointers
The LSU Lady Tigers now get a day off before they'll face off against the Florida State Seminoles at 5:00 PM Central in the PMAC.