Schedule for the Women’s NCAA Tournament: Florida State vs. LSU Women’s Basketball

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Schedule for the Women’s NCAA Tournament: Florida State vs. LSU Women’s Basketball

The No. 3 seed LSU Tigers faced the No. 6 seed Florida State Seminoles in a highly anticipated second-round matchup of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025. The game took place at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where LSU had the home-court advantage. The Tigers secured a dominant 101-71 victory, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.

LSU, the defending national champions, showcased their depth and offensive firepower, particularly in the second half, where they outscored Florida State by a staggering 51-22 margin. This victory marked the third consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearance for LSU under head coach Kim Mulkey.

Game Summary

First Half: A Tight Battle

The first half was an intense, high-scoring affair, with both teams trading baskets and showing impressive offensive execution. LSU held a slim 50-49 lead at halftime, as Florida State managed to keep pace with strong perimeter shooting and aggressive play inside the paint.

Key First-Half Highlights:

  • Florida State relied on its backcourt to push the pace and create open shots.

  • LSU’s defense struggled to contain Florida State’s penetration early in the game.

  • Aneesah Morrow and Mikaylah Williams led the Tigers’ offensive efforts.

Second Half: LSU Takes Over

After a competitive first half, LSU shifted gears and completely dominated Florida State in the second half. The Tigers outscored the Seminoles 51-22, with improved defensive intensity, rebounding dominance, and transition scoring.

Second-Half Key Moments:

  • Defensive Adjustments: LSU tightened up its defensive rotations, forcing Florida State into contested shots.

  • Dominance in the Paint: The Tigers exploited their size advantage, with Morrow and Williams controlling the boards.

  • Bench Contributions: LSU’s depth played a crucial role, contributing 45 points off the bench.

Key Player Performances

LSU Tigers:

  • Mikaylah Williams: 28 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists

    • Williams showcased her scoring versatility, knocking down shots from beyond the arc and finishing strong at the rim.

  • Aneesah Morrow: 26 points, 11 rebounds

    • Morrow was a force on both ends, securing a double-double and making key defensive stops.

  • Flau’Jae Johnson: 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists

    • Johnson’s aggressive drives and perimeter shooting helped LSU pull away in the second half.

  • Bench Contributions: 45 points

    • The Tigers’ bench nearly matched Florida State’s entire first-half output, demonstrating LSU’s impressive depth.

Florida State Seminoles:

  • Key contributors were limited in the second half, as LSU’s defense stifled their offensive rhythm.

  • The team struggled with turnovers and second-chance opportunities.

Tactical Analysis

LSU’s Winning Formula

  • Defensive Adjustments: LSU’s ability to stifle Florida State’s perimeter game after halftime was critical.

  • Transition Game: The Tigers capitalized on turnovers, turning defensive stops into easy fast-break points.

  • Interior Presence: The dominance in rebounding allowed LSU to control possessions and limit Florida State’s second-chance points.

Florida State’s Challenges

  • Turnovers: Florida State committed costly turnovers in the second half, which LSU converted into transition points.

  • Fatigue Factor: The fast pace of the first half seemed to take a toll on the Seminoles, who struggled to keep up in the second half.

  • Lack of Adjustments: The Seminoles couldn’t counter LSU’s increased defensive pressure after halftime.

Post-Game Reactions

LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey:

“We knew Florida State would come out strong, but I’m proud of the way our team responded in the second half. Our defense stepped up, and our players executed at a high level. Now, we’re looking ahead to the Sweet Sixteen.”

Florida State Head Coach Brooke Wyckoff:

“We played a great first half, but we couldn’t sustain that level of play for 40 minutes. LSU is a tough team, and they took advantage of our mistakes. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”

Player Quotes:

  • Mikaylah Williams (LSU): “We just locked in. We knew we had to bring more intensity in the second half, and that’s exactly what we did.”

  • Aneesah Morrow (LSU): “Our focus was defense. We knew that if we stopped them from getting easy baskets, we could take control of the game.”

LSU’s Next Challenge: Sweet Sixteen Matchup

With this victory, LSU advances to the Sweet Sixteen, where they will face the No. 2 seed NC State Wolfpack on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on ESPN.

LSU vs. NC State: What to Expect

  • NC State’s Strengths:

    • Strong three-point shooting

    • Physical defense

    • Balanced scoring attack

  • Keys for LSU:

    • Continued defensive intensity

    • Rebounding dominance

    • Efficient shot selection

Path to the Final Four

If LSU defeats NC State, they will move on to the Elite Eight, where they could potentially face No. 1 seed South Carolina, setting up a rematch of last year’s thrilling SEC rivalry showdown.

Final Thoughts

LSU’s 101-71 victory over Florida State showcased their championship pedigree and ability to dominate in high-pressure situations. Their second-half explosion demonstrated their elite defense, rebounding, and depth, making them a serious contender for another deep tournament run.

The Tigers now turn their focus to NC State, where another strong performance will be crucial to securing a spot in the Elite Eight. With stars like Mikaylah Williams, Aneesah Morrow, and Flau’Jae Johnson leading the way, LSU remains one of the top teams to watch as March Madness continues.

 

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