The NC State women’s basketball team will play the LSU Tigers again in the Sweet 16.

The NC State women’s basketball team is set to face off against the LSU Tigers in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. This highly anticipated rematch carries significant weight, as both teams have evolved since their previous encounter earlier in the season. With a spot in the Elite Eight on the line, fans can expect a high-energy, tactical battle between two formidable squads.

A Look Back: The First Meeting in November 2024

The last time NC State and LSU clashed was on November 27, 2024, in the Baha Mar Pink Flamingo Championship. LSU emerged victorious with a decisive 82-65 win, showcasing their dominance in rebounding and offensive efficiency. At the time, LSU was ranked No. 7, while NC State sat at No. 20.

Key contributors in that game included LSU’s Mikaylah Williams, who scored a game-high 24 points, and Aneesah Morrow, who secured a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Flau’Jae Johnson also played a pivotal role, adding 16 points to LSU’s offensive efforts. The Tigers shot an impressive 53% from the field and outrebounded NC State 44-24.

NC State struggled to keep up with LSU’s high-paced play and physicality in the paint. Despite the loss, Saniya Rivers led the Wolfpack with 21 points, while Aziaha James and Zoe Brooks contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively. The game exposed areas where NC State needed improvement, particularly in rebounding and defensive consistency.

Team Developments Since the Last Meeting

Since November, both teams have made key adjustments and improvements, setting the stage for a much more competitive rematch.

LSU Tigers: Maintaining Momentum and Overcoming Doubts

Despite early concerns over how the team would fare without Angel Reese, LSU has remained a national powerhouse. The trio of Mikaylah Williams, Flau’Jae Johnson, and Aneesah Morrow has stepped up, creating a balanced and potent offensive attack.

Flau’Jae Johnson, who has worked hard to minimize distractions, has become one of LSU’s most consistent players, with her defensive intensity complementing her scoring ability. Meanwhile, Morrow has continued to dominate the boards, making LSU one of the best rebounding teams in the country.

One key development has been LSU’s ability to share the ball more effectively. With multiple scoring threats, opposing defenses struggle to focus on any one player, making LSU’s offensive sets difficult to defend. Head coach Kim Mulkey has also fine-tuned her team’s defensive schemes, emphasizing perimeter defense to complement their strong interior presence.

NC State Wolfpack: A Frontcourt Renaissance

The Wolfpack have made significant strides, particularly in their frontcourt. Early in the season, rebounding was a major issue, but the emergence of players like Tilda Trygger and Lorena Awou has given NC State a more formidable presence in the paint. This improvement will be crucial in countering LSU’s dominance on the boards.

Another area of growth has been offensive execution. NC State has improved its ball movement and three-point shooting, making them a more versatile offensive team. Players like Aziaha James have developed into consistent scoring threats, adding another layer to NC State’s attack.

Defensively, NC State has tightened up its rotations and improved communication, reducing the number of easy baskets allowed. This growth will be tested against LSU’s potent offense, but the Wolfpack now have the personnel to make it a much closer contest.

Key Players to Watch

As these two teams prepare to square off, individual performances will play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

LSU Tigers:

• Aneesah Morrow: LSU’s leading rebounder and a key scoring option, Morrow’s ability to control the boards and finish around the rim will be critical.
• Flau’Jae Johnson: A two-way player who can impact the game on both ends, Johnson’s perimeter defense and scoring ability make her a crucial factor.
• Mikaylah Williams: One of the most dangerous scorers on LSU’s roster, Williams’ ability to stretch the floor and create her own shot will challenge NC State’s defense.

NC State Wolfpack:

• Saniya Rivers: The leading scorer in the previous matchup, Rivers’ ability to break down defenses and attack the basket will be key.
• Aziaha James: A consistent perimeter scorer, James will need to hit timely shots to keep NC State in the game.
• Tilda Trygger and Lorena Awou: Their ability to match LSU’s physicality in the paint will be crucial in determining the rebounding battle.

Strategies and Game Plan

NC State’s Path to Victory:

1. Defensive Rebounding: Preventing second-chance opportunities for LSU is a must.
2. Three-Point Efficiency: If NC State can stretch the floor and hit outside shots, they can open up driving lanes and prevent LSU from packing the paint.
3. Limiting Turnovers: LSU thrives in transition, so taking care of the ball will be essential.

LSU’s Key to Winning:

1. Dominate Inside: Using their superior size and rebounding ability to control the paint.
2. Defensive Pressure: Forcing NC State into tough shots and turnovers.
3. Balanced Scoring: Ensuring multiple players contribute offensively to keep NC State’s defense guessing.

 A Closer Battle This Time

While LSU won decisively in November, this NC State team has grown significantly since then. The Wolfpack’s improved frontcourt presence and more balanced offensive attack should make this a much tighter contest. However, LSU’s experience, depth, and rebounding edge still give them the slight advantage.

Final Prediction: LSU 76, NC State 70

Regardless of the outcome, this game promises to be a thrilling showdown between two talented teams vying for a spot in the Elite Eight. Fans should prepare for an intense, hard-fought battle that could come down to the final minutes.