LSU Tigers Gear Up For NCAA Tournament Showdown
The LSU Tigers are back in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and they are gearing up for a showdown that could define the success of their season. Head coach Kim Mulkey has elevated the Tigers into national contention, and as a result, LSU enters the tournament as one of the top teams to watch. Their blend of talent, athleticism, and experience, coupled with one of the best players in the country in Angel Reese, has made them a legitimate threat to make a deep run. But their journey to the Final Four will be anything but easy, with fierce competition on the horizon.
As the tournament quickly approaches, let’s take a detailed look at the LSU Tigers’ path to success in the NCAA Tournament, breaking down their strengths, key players, potential challenges, and what makes them a formidable team this March.
LSU Tigers: A Program on the Rise
The LSU Tigers have been a consistently strong program, but under Kim Mulkey, they have ascended to new heights. Mulkey, a three-time national champion head coach with Baylor, has revitalized the Tigers’ program, bringing in a mix of experienced players and top-tier recruits. The Tigers are not only a team full of talent but also one with a clear championship pedigree.
This season, LSU finished with an impressive regular-season record, showcasing their dominance in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in women’s basketball. The Tigers’ success has been built on a strong foundation of defensive prowess, explosive scoring, and the ability to compete in every aspect of the game. Now, as the Tigers enter the NCAA Tournament, they aim to capitalize on that success and make a deep run that could culminate in their first national title since 2008.
Key Strengths of the LSU Tigers
- Angel Reese: A Dominant Force
At the heart of LSU’s success this season is Angel Reese, one of the most dominant players in all of women’s college basketball. Reese, a forward known for her physicality and ability to dominate in the paint, has been the Tigers’ most important player. Averaging double-digits in both points and rebounds, Reese has been nearly unstoppable this season, showcasing her ability to score, crash the boards, and block shots with ease.
Reese’s size and skill make her a matchup nightmare for opponents. Her ability to score efficiently in the post and stretch the defense with her mid-range game allows LSU to play a balanced offensive system. Her presence on the glass has been another key to LSU’s success, as she routinely secures offensive rebounds and converts them into second-chance points. As LSU heads into the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers will rely heavily on Reese’s leadership and versatility to guide them through what will likely be some tough matchups.
- Defensive Tenacity
One of LSU’s defining characteristics this season has been its defense. The Tigers are known for their aggressive defensive schemes, and their ability to stifle opposing offenses has been a huge reason for their success. LSU plays with a high level of intensity, both on the ball and in help defense. Their ability to apply full-court pressure, force turnovers, and contest shots has made them one of the toughest teams to score against in the nation.
The Tigers’ defense is anchored by Reese, who can guard multiple positions and alter shots at the rim. Their team defense is built around forcing turnovers and pushing the tempo, allowing them to turn defense into easy transition points. LSU’s commitment to defense has been one of the reasons they’ve been able to stay competitive in high-stakes games, and it will be crucial to their success in the tournament. Against some of the nation’s best offenses, LSU’s defense will have to rise to the occasion and lock down key players.
- Versatile Scoring Options
While Angel Reese is the focal point of LSU’s offense, the Tigers have multiple players who can contribute offensively. Guard Alexis Morris has been a key scorer for LSU, providing both outside shooting and the ability to attack the basket. Morris is one of the Tigers’ most experienced players and has the ability to handle the pressure of tournament play, making her a crucial asset for LSU’s tournament run.
Other key offensive contributors include Flau’Jae Johnson, who adds another layer of versatility to LSU’s attack. Johnson is capable of scoring both inside and on the perimeter, providing the Tigers with a well-rounded scoring threat. LaDazhia Williams has also been a key presence in the paint, contributing both defensively and offensively. LSU’s depth allows them to put pressure on opponents from multiple areas on the floor, making them difficult to defend.
- Size and Physicality
LSU’s size and physicality are perhaps their most significant advantages, especially in the postseason. The Tigers have one of the most imposing frontcourts in the country, with multiple players capable of playing inside and dominating the glass. Reese is the centerpiece, but players like Williams and even guards like Morris have shown they can compete in the paint, using their physicality to create mismatches.
This size advantage will be important in the NCAA Tournament, especially when facing teams that rely heavily on finesse or three-point shooting. LSU’s ability to control the paint on both ends—especially in terms of rebounding and finishing around the basket—could be the difference-maker in tight, high-stakes games.
Key Players to Watch
- Angel Reese (Forward)
It’s impossible to talk about LSU’s chances in the NCAA Tournament without highlighting Angel Reese. The forward has had a dominant season, earning All-American honors and leading the Tigers in scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking. Reese is LSU’s most consistent player and will likely be the focus of opposing defenses throughout the tournament.
Her ability to score efficiently in the post, along with her rebounding and defensive presence, makes her the clear leader for LSU. If she can continue her high-level play in March, LSU will be difficult to stop. Reese’s ability to impose her will in the paint will also be crucial in games where LSU needs to control the tempo and limit second-chance points for their opponents.
- Alexis Morris (Guard)
Morris is the floor general for LSU, providing leadership and playmaking from the guard position. Her experience and ability to score from all areas of the floor make her one of LSU’s most valuable assets. Morris has shown an ability to handle pressure, and her ability to hit clutch shots in critical moments will be essential for LSU’s success in the tournament. As a primary ball handler, Morris also sets up LSU’s offense, keeping the Tigers’ attack fluid and unpredictable.
- Flau’Jae Johnson (Guard/Forward)
Flau’Jae Johnson is one of LSU’s most dynamic players, capable of scoring both on the perimeter and in the paint. Her versatility makes her a matchup problem for opposing defenses, and her ability to contribute in a variety of ways gives LSU another weapon to lean on. Johnson’s offensive and defensive abilities have made her an essential part of LSU’s team this season, and her performances in the tournament could prove pivotal.
- LaDazhia Williams (Forward)
Williams may not always grab the headlines, but she is an essential part of LSU’s frontcourt. A capable scorer and rebounder, Williams provides the Tigers with a physical presence on both ends of the floor. Her ability to contribute offensively in the paint, while also being a strong defender, will give LSU an edge in the tournament, particularly in games where size and physicality are critical.
Potential Challenges for LSU
- Depth and Foul Trouble
While LSU has a talented starting lineup, their depth could be a concern. The Tigers are not as deep as some other top teams, which could be a factor if any of their key players get into foul trouble or if they are faced with an injury during the tournament. LSU’s bench has played well in stretches, but they may struggle in extended minutes against the toughest competition. If they run into a team with significant depth or a high-scoring offense, LSU’s reliance on a few key players could be tested.
- Perimeter Shooting Consistency
Although LSU has players who can hit three-pointers, the team’s overall perimeter shooting has been inconsistent at times. In tight tournament games, where scoring can come at a premium, LSU may need to rely on their outside shooting to stretch defenses. If the Tigers struggle to knock down shots from beyond the arc, it could make it easier for opponents to collapse on Reese in the post, limiting LSU’s offensive versatility.
- Tough Competition in the NCAA Tournament
As LSU advances in the tournament, they will undoubtedly face teams with elite talent. Teams from power conferences like the ACC, Big 12, and Pac-12, as well as other well-coached programs, will challenge LSU in ways they haven’t faced during the regular season. The SEC is a tough conference, but the level of competition in the NCAA Tournament is elevated, and LSU will need to execute flawlessly to compete at the highest level.