After handling the Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinal, the LSU Women's Basketball team looked to avenge their loss to Texas in the SEC Tournament Semifinal.
In the first quarter, LSU's offense couldn't find a rhythm but, Mjracle Sheppard was able to lead the Tigers with 6 points helping keep the game a one score game. The biggest development in the first quarter was fouls as Sa'Myah Smith and Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda both picked up two fouls early.
The second quarter was sloppy on both sides of the matchup as offense was hard to come by. The lone player who had success on offense in the first half was Texas' Madison Booker who finished the half with 18 points. As Texas' defense slowed LSU the Tigers' 23 points at halftime was the least the Tigers have scored this season.
Foul trouble on both sides of the matchup allowed things to open up on offense but, neither team was able to knock down open shots. The game then took a drastic shift as Aneesah Morrow suffered a foot injury leaving the game while dealing another blow to LSU's roster. As LSU was without Morrow and LSU juggled fouls Kim Mulkey had to turn to several pieces and new lineup combinations to keep this game close.
In the fourth quarter, Kim Mulkey needed someone to step up before she was able to bring Mikaylah Williams back into the game as she was in foul trouble. Morrow's absence was felt for most of the second half as LSU struggled to find an easy basket and gave up some crucial rebounds. Down the stretch, LSU was able to cut into Texas' lead but, the Longhorns made free throws when it mattered the most.
Madison Booker single handedly won this game for Texas as she scored 25 points with 6 rebounds while going 10-19 from the field and 3-6 from three while the rest of Texas went 8-38 from the field.
This was a tough week for the Lady Tigers as Kim Mulkey was away from the team dealing with a death in her family which left LSU preparing with Bob Starkey who did a great job. The Lady Tigers played two games without Flau'Jae Johnson and half of a game without Aneesah Morrow and at no point did LSU let it effect their effort. This week allowed several pieces to step up and the Lady Tigers will be better for it in March if they're able to get healthy.
The Lady Tigers now await their seed and opponents in the NCAA Tournament where LSU will hope to be at full health.