Preview: LSU Hosts San Diego State in NCAA Opener as Tigers Eye Second-Round Showdown

As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament begins, the LSU Tigers are poised to make a deep run, and their opening game promises to set the tone for the rest of the tournament. LSU, ranked among the nation’s elite teams, has earned a high seed thanks to a dominant regular season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and an array of talent that includes one of the top players in college basketball, Angel Reese. Now, the Tigers will face the San Diego State Aztecs in a first-round matchup that could provide a tricky start to their tournament journey.

Despite being the clear favorite in this matchup, LSU will need to stay focused, execute its game plan, and avoid complacency as they begin their quest for the Final Four. San Diego State, though not a powerhouse in women’s basketball, has shown a propensity for being a difficult out in the tournament, making this game a potential pitfall for LSU if they’re not careful.

In this preview, we’ll examine both teams’ strengths, key players to watch, and what each side needs to do to advance to the next round.

LSU Tigers: A Team Built for the Spotlight

Under head coach Kim Mulkey, LSU has evolved into one of the most well-rounded and dominant teams in women’s college basketball. The Tigers are coming off an impressive regular season, with a mixture of strong defensive play, versatile offensive weapons, and a player who has emerged as one of the sport’s biggest stars in Angel Reese.

LSU’s Strengths:

1. Dominant Inside Play with Angel Reese: Angel Reese has been the cornerstone of LSU’s success this season, leading the Tigers in both scoring and rebounding. Reese, a powerful forward, has been a matchup nightmare for every opponent she’s faced this season. Her combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes her nearly unstoppable in the paint. She has the ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it’s with her back to the basket or facing up—and her relentless rebounding effort has given LSU numerous second-chance opportunities.

   In this matchup against San Diego State, Reese’s physicality will be key. If LSU is able to dominate the paint and use Reese’s scoring ability to control the flow of the game, the Aztecs may struggle to match up.

2. Defensive Pressure and Aggression: One of LSU’s trademarks under Kim Mulkey has been its defensive tenacity. The Tigers are known for playing aggressive, full-court defense, forcing turnovers and using their speed and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses. LSU ranks among the nation’s best in steals, blocks, and field-goal percentage defense.

   Against San Diego State, LSU’s ability to pressure the ball and force mistakes will be pivotal. The Tigers are particularly adept at causing turnovers, which then lead to fast-break opportunities. If they can get out and run in transition, it will significantly improve their chances of building an early lead and putting San Diego State on the defensive.

3. Balanced Scoring Threats: While Reese is undoubtedly the centerpiece of LSU’s offense, the Tigers are not a one-woman show. Alexis Morris, a senior guard, has been an offensive catalyst for LSU, contributing as both a scorer and a playmaker. Her ability to drive to the basket, hit mid-range jumpers, and facilitate LSU’s offense makes her a crucial piece in this matchup. Additionally, Flau’Jae Johnson and LaDazhia Williams add scoring depth and versatility to LSU’s attack.

   LSU’s offense isn’t one-dimensional, and with multiple scoring options, they have the ability to exploit mismatches on the floor. This versatility will be important as they look to break down San Diego State’s defense and maintain control of the game.

Key to LSU’s Success: To win their first-round matchup, LSU will need to execute its usual strengths: dominate the boards, apply constant defensive pressure, and feed Angel Reese in the post. If they can do this, they will likely overwhelm San Diego State’s defense and advance to the next round. However, LSU’s challenge will be to stay disciplined and not overlook San Diego State, a team that can cause problems if allowed to control the tempo.

San Diego State Aztecs: A Scrappy Underdog Looking to Shock the World

San Diego State enters the tournament as a lower seed, but the Aztecs are a team with a history of surprising success and resilience in the postseason. While they may not have the same level of talent or size as LSU, they are a scrappy, well-coached team that plays tough defense and strives to keep games close.

San Diego State’s Strengths:

1. Defensive Identity: San Diego State’s calling card this season has been its defense. The Aztecs pride themselves on playing tough, gritty basketball, with a focus on limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. Their defense has been one of the best in the Mountain West Conference, and they’re used to playing in low-scoring, hard-fought games.

   Against a high-powered team like LSU, San Diego State’s ability to control the pace and keep the Tigers from running wild in transition will be a key factor. If they can frustrate LSU’s offensive flow and force the Tigers into contested shots, they could keep the game within reach. It will be crucial for the Aztecs to execute a disciplined game plan on defense and not get overwhelmed by LSU’s firepower.

2. Balanced Offensive Attack: While San Diego State is not known for explosive offense, they have several players who can score and contribute in different ways. The Aztecs’ leading scorer, Taylor Blevins, has been their offensive engine, showing the ability to both score from the perimeter and drive to the basket. Blevins will need to be at her best to keep San Diego State in the game, as she’ll be asked to take on a significant role in breaking down LSU’s defense.

   Other key contributors include forwards Kira Matthews and Mariah Williams, both of whom can impact the game by scoring inside and on the glass. San Diego State will likely try to play a slower, more deliberate offensive style, looking to reduce the number of possessions and limit LSU’s opportunities to run.

3. Experience in Close Games: One of San Diego State’s strengths is its ability to play in close, competitive games. The Aztecs have been in several tight contests this season, and they have the mental toughness to withstand pressure. In the NCAA Tournament, where every possession matters, San Diego State’s experience in high-pressure situations could serve them well. They’ve shown the ability to hang around in games against tough opponents, and if LSU allows them to stay close, the Aztecs will not back down.

Key to San Diego State’s Success: For San Diego State to pull off an upset, they’ll need to play at their pace—slowing the game down and forcing LSU into a half-court offense. They will need to limit turnovers and make sure that Angel Reese doesn’t get easy baskets. Additionally, San Diego State will need to hit timely shots and have a strong performance from Taylor Blevins to keep the pressure on LSU.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Angel Reese vs. San Diego State’s Frontcourt: The most important matchup of the game is likely to be Angel Reese against San Diego State’s post players. Reese is one of the most dominant players in college basketball, and San Diego State’s defense will have to find a way to contain her. They’ll likely try to double-team Reese when she gets the ball in the paint, but that could open up opportunities for other LSU players like Alexis Morris and Flau’Jae Johnson. If Reese gets going early, San Diego State may have a tough time keeping up.
2. LSU’s Defensive Pressure vs. San Diego State’s Offense: San Diego State has struggled at times to generate consistent offense, and LSU’s defensive pressure will be a key factor in this game. If LSU can get out and disrupt San Diego State’s offensive flow early, it could demoralize the Aztecs and give LSU a chance to build a big lead. However, if San Diego State can slow the game down and limit LSU’s transition opportunities, it will keep the game competitive.
3. Perimeter Shooting for LSU: LSU has struggled with perimeter shooting at times this season. If the Tigers’ outside shooters, such as Flau’Jae Johnson and Alexis Morris, can knock down some early shots, it will stretch San Diego State’s defense and give LSU more room to work inside. If LSU can’t consistently hit from the outside, San Diego State may have a better chance to collapse their defense and focus on stopping Reese in the post.

Keys to the Game for LSU

• Control the Paint: Angel Reese is LSU’s most dominant player, and the Tigers must look to feed her in the post early and often. If LSU can control the paint on both ends, they should be able to impose their will on San Diego State.
• Defensive Pressure: LSU needs to apply constant defensive pressure to disrupt San Diego State’s offense. Forcing turnovers and getting out in transition could be the difference in this game.
• Limit Turnovers: LSU’s offense thrives when it’s in a rhythm. To avoid any surprises, they’ll need to limit turnovers and take smart, high-percentage shots.