The LSU Lady Tigers entered Sunday's Regular Season Finale with little to play for as the Tigers were locked in as the 3rd ranked team in the SEC Tournament. The Tigers got shocking news before the game as Flau'Jae Johnson was ruled out until the NCAA Tournament. In this game against a tough defense, Kim Mulkey was looking to learn a ton about her team.
The question coming into the game was how LSU would respond after losing Flau'Jae Johnson to injury. Aneesah Morrow made it clear early that she was going to carry the load for the Lady Tigers on both ends of the court. Morrow carried LSU in the first quarter scoring 11 of the Tigers 19 points which allowed the rest of the team to fall in line carrying a 6 point lead into the second quarter.
In the second quarter both offenses started to find their rhythm but, LSU was clicking on both ends of the court carrying a 13 point lead into the half.
In the third quarter Ole Miss came out red hot shooting from the floor while knocking down three pointer after three pointer cutting into LSU's lead. Turnovers, missed shots, and blown defensive assignments haunted the Tigers as Ole Miss was able to take their first lead of the day and only trailed by one heading into the fourth.
Ole Miss instantly tied the game then took the lead to start the fourth quarter and from there it was prove it time for the Rebels. The Tigers started too look their best when Kim Mulkey brought in Jersey Wolfenbagrer who's size next to Morrow was key. Down the stretch of this game, Aneesah Morrow showed how valuable she is grabbing rebounds and scoring through the final five minutes against an incredibly tough defense. The Rebels offense proved to be too much for a shorthanded LSU team sending LSU to their second straight loss.
The positives for LSU Basketball
Aneesah Morrow was a star for Kim Mulkey stepping up as the Tigers needed her to do scoring 26 while grabbing 12 rebounds which marked her 100th career double double. Mikaylah Williams did her part as well scoring 25 points with 5 assists but, more impressive were the plays she made on defense. Kailyn Gilbert entered the starting lineup replacing Flau'Jae Johnson and gave the Tigers a scoring boost with 11 points.
The Negatives for LSU
Aside from the impact Mjracle Sheppard gave the team, Kim Mulkey didn't get much from the rest of her bench who combined for 1 point. Turnovers cost LSU this game as the Lady Tigers turned it over 23 times in this game allowing Ole Miss to score 27 points off of turnovers. If LSU is going to go on a deep run in both the SEC and NCAA Tournament, they'll need a fourth piece to give significant contributions on any given night.
The Lady Tigers now have a long layoff before their first game in the SEC Tournament on Friday where they'll take on the winner of Alabama Vs Auburn/Florida.