LSU vs. Florida State Women’s Basketball: Tigers Erupt in Second Half, Completely Crush FSU 101-71 to Reach Sweet 16

In what could be described as one of the most dominant second-half performances in recent memory, the LSU Tigers put on a show that will go down in the annals of NCAA Women’s Basketball. With their 101-71 victory over Florida State, the Tigers reached the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament in resounding fashion. After a tightly contested first half, LSU exploded in the second half, overwhelming Florida State with offensive firepower and defensive intensity, securing a commanding victory that sent them into the next round with momentum and confidence.

This victory was not just about the final score; it was about the story of a team that has learned to execute on both ends of the court when it matters the most. From the leadership of head coach Kim Mulkey to the explosive individual performances of players like Angel Reese, Alexis Morris, and Jasmine Carson, LSU demonstrated why they are one of the most dangerous teams in the nation. Their performance in this game was nothing short of a statement, signaling that they are more than capable of making a deep run in the tournament.

Pre-Game Expectations: Setting the Stage for a Clash of Titans

As the second-round game approached, expectations were high for both LSU and Florida State. LSU, with its high-powered offense and solid defensive fundamentals, was one of the favorites to make a deep tournament run. The Tigers had been dominant throughout the regular season, with stars like Angel Reese dominating the paint and Alexis Morris running the offense with precision.

Florida State, on the other hand, had entered the tournament as a formidable underdog, having defied expectations in the earlier rounds. They had been playing with a chip on their shoulder, fueled by the desire to prove themselves on the national stage. Known for their physical style of play and aggressive defense, Florida State was seen as a team capable of pulling off an upset if they could disrupt LSU’s offensive flow.

However, LSU’s sheer depth and talent, coupled with their ability to turn on the afterburners when needed, proved to be too much for the Seminoles. What began as a competitive matchup quickly turned into a showcase of LSU’s superiority as the Tigers flexed their muscles in the second half.

First Half: A Competitive but Tense Affair

The game began with both teams coming out strong, showing the intensity that had been promised in the buildup. Florida State’s defense was aggressive, pushing LSU to make quick decisions and forcing a few early turnovers. The Seminoles were intent on making LSU uncomfortable, and they succeeded for much of the first half.

Nausia Woolfolk, Florida State’s standout guard, was playing with confidence, creating offensive opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her scoring ability kept Florida State in the game, especially when LSU’s defense allowed her to find space on the perimeter and attack the basket. In response, LSU’s defense was disciplined but often found itself on its heels due to Florida State’s hustle and physicality.

On offense, LSU was able to execute, but not with the usual fluidity that had characterized their regular season. Angel Reese, LSU’s dominant forward, had a solid first half but struggled to get into a rhythm early due to the physical nature of Florida State’s defense. Reese finished the first half with 12 points and 7 rebounds, but the Tigers had to work hard to generate points in the paint against Florida State’s size.

Alexis Morris, the senior point guard for LSU, was her usual self—creating opportunities for her teammates and also getting herself on the scoreboard. She contributed 8 points and 5 assists in the first half, providing the leadership LSU needed to stay competitive. Jasmine Carson, who had emerged as one of the team’s most reliable scoring options, also had a few key three-pointers that kept LSU within striking distance.

Despite some struggles, LSU entered the locker room at halftime with a slim lead of 47-39. While they were up, the game was still far from decided. Florida State had been fighting tooth and nail, and LSU needed to make adjustments to widen the gap in the second half.

Second Half: LSU’s Explosive Surge to Glory

The second half began with LSU looking determined to take control of the game. They came out of the locker room with a renewed focus, and it didn’t take long for the Tigers to begin pulling away. What followed was a barrage of offensive firepower that Florida State had no answer for.

From the very first possession, Angel Reese came out with a vengeance. She scored quickly in the post and then grabbed several key rebounds that allowed LSU to get out in transition. Reese’s ability to dominate in the paint, combined with her relentless energy on the boards, was the catalyst for LSU’s offensive explosion.

LSU’s perimeter shooting also started to click in the second half. Jasmine Carson hit back-to-back three-pointers early in the half, effectively silencing any hopes Florida State had of a comeback. Her scoring burst stretched Florida State’s defense and gave the Tigers the breathing room they needed. Alexis Morris, ever the floor general, was orchestrating the offense with ease, getting the ball to the right players at the right time. She scored 10 points in the second half and continued to show her knack for making timely plays when LSU needed them most.

The Seminoles, despite their best efforts, could not stop LSU’s offensive onslaught. Florida State’s defense, which had been effective in the first half, was completely overwhelmed as LSU began to push the tempo. The Tigers scored in waves, running fast breaks and exploiting mismatches in the half-court. When Florida State tried to tighten up their defense, LSU’s shooters punished them from beyond the arc. The Tigers’ ability to score from multiple areas on the court kept Florida State on their heels, unable to focus on any one aspect of LSU’s attack.

One of the most impressive aspects of LSU’s second-half performance was their ability to share the ball. LaDazhia Williams, LSU’s versatile forward, was a key contributor in the second half. Williams contributed several points in the post and grabbed critical rebounds to keep LSU’s offense flowing. Her presence in the paint allowed LSU to dominate the boards, especially on the offensive end, where they capitalized on second-chance opportunities.

Angel Reese, who had been quiet in the first half relative to her usual dominance, exploded in the second half. She ended the game with 28 points and 16 rebounds, including 8 offensive boards. Her performance was a microcosm of LSU’s overall dominance, as the Tigers simply overwhelmed Florida State in every facet of the game.

By the time the game entered the final quarter, LSU’s lead had ballooned to a commanding 30 points. The Tigers were playing with confidence, and Florida State had no answer for their scoring outbursts. LSU’s defense had stepped up as well, limiting Florida State’s opportunities to generate offense and forcing them into turnovers. With a series of fast breaks and high-percentage shots, LSU managed to put the game completely out of reach.

As the final buzzer sounded, LSU had delivered a 101-71 blowout victory. The Tigers’ offense, which had sputtered in the first half, had erupted for 54 points in the second half alone, demonstrating just how potent they can be when firing on all cylinders. LSU’s 101-point performance was a testament to their depth and ability to execute under pressure.

Key Players and Performances

Several LSU players were instrumental in the team’s success, both in the first half and especially in the explosive second half. Here are the standout players:

• Angel Reese: The game’s MVP, Reese was a force from start to finish. Her 28 points and 16 rebounds, including 8 offensive boards, were crucial to LSU’s success. She dominated the paint and controlled the game on both ends, making her a nightmare for Florida State.
• Alexis Morris: The senior point guard played a complete game, finishing with 14 points and 9 assists. Her leadership was evident in how she ran the offense and made plays in clutch moments. Morris’ ability to dictate the tempo allowed LSU to pull away from Florida State.
• Jasmine Carson: Carson’s three-point shooting was a game-changer. She scored 16 points, including several big shots from beyond the arc. Her scoring burst helped LSU extend their lead and stretch Florida State’s defense.
• LaDazhia Williams: Williams was a reliable presence in the post, finishing with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Her ability to contribute both offensively and defensively gave LSU another weapon to lean on in their dominant second-half performance.
• Khayla Pointer: The defensive standout for LSU, Pointer contributed 8 points and provided stifling defense that disrupted Florida State’s offensive flow. Her leadership on defense set the tone for LSU’s overall intensity.

What This Victory Means for LSU

This 101-71 victory over Florida State is a statement win for LSU. The Tigers demonstrated not only their offensive firepower but also their ability to adjust and adapt when needed. Their ability to blow the game open in the second half shows their depth and versatility, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.

LSU’s route to the Sweet 16 was never going to be easy, but this victory puts them in an excellent position moving forward. The Tigers are hitting their stride at the perfect time, and they are peaking as the tournament progresses. With players like Reese, Morris, Carson, and Williams leading the way, LSU has the talent to make a deep run into the Final Four and potentially win the national title.

LSU’s Championship Hopes

As the Tigers advance to the Sweet 16, they are more than capable of continuing their dominance. This victory over Florida State was a complete team effort that showcased their ability to play at a high level for 40 minutes. LSU is a team with multiple scoring options, defensive tenacity, and leadership on both ends of the floor. They are poised to make a serious push for the championship, and their performance in this game has shown that they are ready for the challenge. The road to the national title continues, and LSU is firmly in the mix as one of the top contenders in the tournament.