To win, LSU women’s basketball needs to do three things. San Diego State vs. March Madness game

As the LSU women’s basketball team prepares for a crucial matchup against San Diego State in the 2025 NCAA March Madness tournament, it’s clear that there are specific areas of focus that will give the Tigers the best chance to advance. The team is well-coached, talented, and hungry for success, but their performance in this game will hinge on their ability to execute three key strategies. These strategies not only highlight LSU’s strengths but also aim to exploit weaknesses in San Diego State’s game. Let’s break down what LSU needs to do to come out on top in this critical contest.

1. Lock Down on Defense: Contain San Diego State’s Scoring Threats

The first and foremost strategy for LSU’s success is playing stellar defense. San Diego State may not be known for their offensive firepower, but their defense is suffocating, and they rely on their ability to control the tempo of the game. To counter this, LSU must make defense a priority, particularly in containing San Diego State’s most dangerous offensive players.

Focus on Defensive Matchups

LSU needs to identify San Diego State’s primary scoring threats and lock them down. This could include one-on-one matchups or even double-teaming players who can explode for big points. The defensive focus should be on:

• Guard Play: San Diego State’s guards have shown an ability to get into the paint and create opportunities for others. LSU’s perimeter defenders must deny easy penetration and contest outside shots, ensuring that SDSU doesn’t settle into a rhythm. By applying ball pressure and forcing the Aztecs’ guards into difficult shots, LSU will disrupt the offense’s flow.
• Post Defense: While San Diego State isn’t known for having dominant bigs, LSU has size in the paint and must use that to their advantage. If LSU can control the paint and limit second-chance points, they will force the Aztecs into relying on their perimeter shooting, which may not always be their strong suit. Controlling the boards and preventing easy put-backs will be essential.

Defensive Rebounding

One key aspect of defense is securing the rebound after a missed shot. LSU’s ability to out-rebound San Diego State could be a deciding factor. The Tigers must box out and limit the Aztecs’ offensive rebounds, which would otherwise allow them to extend possessions and gain momentum. Establishing dominance on the glass will force San Diego State into uncomfortable situations where they won’t get second opportunities to score.

Turnover Discipline

One area where LSU can thrive defensively is by forcing turnovers. San Diego State has been known to struggle with ball control under pressure, and LSU’s aggressive defense should look to capitalize on this. If LSU can force live-ball turnovers and create fast-break opportunities, they will not only stifle San Diego State’s offensive rhythm but also generate easy points on the other end.

2. Offensive Efficiency: Create High-Quality Shots

Offense will be just as important as defense for LSU to secure a win. In March Madness, games often come down to execution on both ends of the floor, and LSU will need to show offensive poise and efficiency. To do so, the Tigers must prioritize a few specific aspects of their offensive game.

Ball Movement and Spacing

LSU needs to create opportunities for open shots through effective ball movement. The Aztecs’ defense can be stingy, so LSU must use crisp passing and smart cuts to get open looks. Spacing the floor properly will help LSU get the best possible shot selections and force San Diego State to scramble defensively. The Tigers should avoid isolation-heavy plays unless they have a clear advantage in a one-on-one situation.

Utilize the Inside Game

LSU’s post players have an advantage in terms of size and skill over San Diego State’s frontcourt. Establishing the inside game early on will open up opportunities for LSU to dominate the paint and potentially draw fouls on San Diego State’s defenders. Whether through traditional post moves, pick-and-roll plays, or fast breaks, LSU’s frontcourt can be the centerpiece of their offense. This strategy will not only give LSU an advantage in scoring but will also tire out San Diego State’s interior defenders.

Perimeter Shooting

Although LSU is known for its strength in the paint, they should not neglect the three-point shot. San Diego State will likely collapse their defense inside to protect the rim, and LSU will need to capitalize on this by hitting open threes. A few early successful three-point shots will stretch the defense and create more driving lanes. LSU’s shooters need to be confident and composed when the opportunity arises. The ability to hit from deep will keep the Aztecs from overcommitting to the paint.

Key Player Performance

LSU’s success will rely heavily on their star players performing at a high level. Whether it’s the team’s leading scorer or an unsung hero stepping up, LSU needs its best players to deliver. Creating offensive flow around the strengths of their stars, whether through pick-and-roll actions or isolating them in advantageous positions, will allow the Tigers to maintain offensive efficiency throughout the game.

3. Manage the Tempo: Control the Game’s Pace

One of the critical elements of any March Madness game is controlling the tempo, and LSU must dictate the pace of this game to put San Diego State at a disadvantage. The Aztecs play a slow, deliberate style, and they thrive when they can control the tempo and force opponents into a half-court game. LSU needs to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Push the Ball in Transition

If LSU can push the ball and get out in transition, they can exploit San Diego State’s defense before it has a chance to set up. The Tigers should look to turn defensive rebounds into fast breaks and get easy buckets in transition. Speeding up the game will force the Aztecs to play at a pace they’re not comfortable with, and LSU’s athleticism should give them an edge in this area.

Be Patient in the Half-Court

While pushing the pace is important, LSU also needs to be patient and composed when the game slows down. If San Diego State manages to impose their slower tempo, LSU must stay disciplined and run their half-court offense efficiently. This includes making the extra pass, setting effective screens, and reading the defense for the best available shot.

Control the Turnover Battle

In March Madness, turnovers can shift momentum quickly, and LSU must protect the basketball. San Diego State will look to capitalize on any careless mistakes, so LSU must be patient with their decision-making and avoid risky passes. Turning the ball over less than their opponent will help LSU control the game’s tempo and ensure they maintain a steady offensive rhythm.

Late-Game Execution

Finally, it’s essential that LSU is prepared for the final minutes of a close game. Managing the clock, executing under pressure, and remaining calm in crunch time will be crucial. Whether it’s hitting free throws, running a last-second play, or making clutch defensive stops, LSU must be ready to handle the pressure that March Madness brings.

The LSU women’s basketball team has the talent, experience, and depth to make a deep run in March Madness. To defeat San Diego State and advance in the tournament, LSU must focus on three key strategies: defensive dominance, offensive efficiency, and tempo control. By locking down on defense, executing in the half-court, and dictating the game’s pace, LSU will put themselves in the best position to win. With a well-rounded effort and a clear focus on these strategies, the Tigers will be ready for the challenge ahead.

The stakes are high, but LSU has the pieces in place to succeed. As the March Madness tournament continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the Tigers to see if they can execute this game plan and move one step closer to their ultimate goal: the national championship.