The Women's NCAA Tournament First Round Schedule: LSU Tigers Set to Face SDSU

The Women’s NCAA Tournament First Round Schedule: LSU Tigers Set to Face SDSU

As the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament gets underway, the LSU Tigers are gearing up for their first-round matchup against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (SDSU). LSU, with its rich basketball tradition, enters the tournament with high expectations after an impressive regular season. However, they will face a formidable opponent in SDSU, a program that has quietly built a reputation as one of the most successful mid-major teams in the country. This first-round game promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, as LSU’s power and athleticism will be tested by the Jackrabbits’ precision and efficient play.

Let’s dive into the specifics of what to expect from this exciting first-round matchup, breaking down both teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and the key players to watch for as the game unfolds.

LSU Tigers: Powerhouse with a Purpose

The LSU Tigers come into the NCAA Tournament as one of the top teams in the country, ranked highly due to their strong performance in the SEC and their remarkable talent across the roster. Head coach Kim Mulkey has led LSU to new heights, and the Tigers are hoping to make a deep run in March. With a balanced attack that features a blend of size, skill, and speed, LSU enters this tournament as one of the favorites to contend for a national title.

Key Strengths of LSU:

Elite Scoring and Offensive Talent: LSU boasts a dynamic offensive unit, capable of scoring both inside and out. The Tigers have a deep roster, with several players capable of stepping up and making an impact. The key to LSU’s offense is its ability to create mismatches, both in the post and on the perimeter. They have multiple players who can stretch the floor with their three-point shooting, but they also have the size and physicality to dominate inside the paint.
The presence of star forward Angel Reese, a dominant force in the post, has been crucial for LSU’s offensive success. Reese is one of the most dominant players in college basketball, able to score in a variety of ways and pull down a significant number of rebounds. Her inside presence will be vital in this game, as she will be tasked with controlling the glass and finishing inside against SDSU’s defense.
Defensive Depth and Versatility: LSU is known for its tough defense, and this year’s squad is no exception. The Tigers can defend in multiple ways, with the ability to switch on screens, contest shots, and pressure opposing ball handlers. LSU’s athleticism allows them to disrupt offensive flow and create turnovers, which leads to fast-break opportunities. Whether it’s locking down players on the perimeter or defending the paint, LSU’s defense is a big reason for their success this season.
SDSU’s offense will face a tough test against LSU’s defensive schemes. LSU’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers could be a game-changer, especially if the Tigers can get out and run in transition. A key element for LSU will be how effectively they limit SDSU’s three-point shooting while also containing their skilled forwards in the paint.
Versatile Scoring Options: While Angel Reese is undoubtedly the focal point of LSU’s offense, the Tigers have other players who can contribute significantly. Alexis Morris, the Tigers’ experienced guard, plays an essential role in the team’s offense, serving as both a scorer and a facilitator. She has the ability to drive to the basket, hit mid-range jumpers, and provide leadership on the floor.
LSU’s offensive success relies on the contributions of players like Morris, LaDazhia Williams, and Flau’Jae Johnson. These players all bring unique elements to LSU’s game. Williams is a strong presence in the paint, while Johnson adds versatility with her ability to shoot from distance and attack the basket. Together, this group gives LSU the flexibility to adjust their offense depending on what SDSU’s defense presents.
Size and Physicality: LSU’s size advantage, particularly in the frontcourt, is one of their most significant strengths. They have multiple players who can dominate the boards, control the paint, and finish at the rim. Angel Reese’s ability to outmuscle opponents inside is an important element, but the Tigers’ overall size allows them to wear down opponents over the course of a game. SDSU will have to find ways to limit LSU’s rebounding edge and avoid allowing second-chance points.

Weaknesses of LSU:

Inconsistent Perimeter Shooting: While LSU can score inside with ease, their perimeter shooting has been inconsistent at times. Although players like Flau’Jae Johnson have the ability to hit three-pointers, LSU has sometimes struggled to knock down outside shots, especially in high-pressure games. If they are forced to rely too heavily on their perimeter shooting against SDSU, it could throw off their offensive flow. SDSU is a disciplined team that excels at limiting open shots, so LSU will need to be patient and move the ball well to get quality looks from beyond the arc.
Free Throw Shooting: Another area where LSU has been vulnerable is free-throw shooting. Despite their physicality in the paint, the Tigers have sometimes struggled to convert from the charity stripe. In a close game, missed free throws can prove costly, and LSU will need to be efficient at the line to put SDSU away when the game is on the line.

South Dakota State Jackrabbits: A Steady, Efficient Squad

South Dakota State, often overlooked by the mainstream media, has become a powerhouse in mid-major women’s basketball. The Jackrabbits enter the NCAA Tournament as a team with a chip on their shoulder, looking to prove that they can compete with the big programs. SDSU has a well-established track record of success in the NCAA Tournament, with several recent appearances and victories that have established their program as one to watch.

This year, SDSU has proven to be a disciplined, highly efficient team with an offensive system that emphasizes ball movement, shot selection, and smart decision-making. Though they may not have the same athleticism as LSU, SDSU compensates with a high basketball IQ and precise execution.

Key Strengths of SDSU:

High-Efficiency Offense: SDSU thrives on executing their offense at a high level of efficiency. They don’t rely on just one player to carry the scoring load, and their ability to move the ball quickly and patiently to find the best shot is a key strength. The Jackrabbits have a well-balanced offense, with multiple players capable of scoring both inside and from long range. They are one of the top teams in the nation in terms of shooting percentage, which gives them an edge against a team like LSU, who may struggle against their controlled offensive pace.
Three-Point Shooting: SDSU’s three-point shooting is another key strength. The Jackrabbits are adept at spreading the floor and knocking down shots from beyond the arc. Players like Myah Selland and Tori Nelson have been exceptional shooters this season, and they will be essential to SDSU’s success against LSU. If SDSU can hit their outside shots, they could force LSU to adjust defensively, opening up opportunities for other players to contribute offensively.
Balanced Scoring: Unlike some teams that rely heavily on one or two players, SDSU has multiple contributors on offense. Myah Selland is the leader of this group, serving as both a scorer and a playmaker. Selland is a versatile forward who can score in a variety of ways and has the ability to both drive to the basket and shoot from the perimeter. However, SDSU also has other players like Paiton Burckhard and Tori Nelson, who provide scoring depth and can step up in critical moments.
Discipline and Experience: SDSU’s experience and discipline are significant advantages in the postseason. The Jackrabbits have played in several NCAA Tournament games in recent years and have faced tough competition in the Summit League and non-conference schedules. This experience in big games will help them stay composed against a team as talented as LSU. SDSU’s disciplined approach to both offense and defense will be key in keeping the game close and avoiding unnecessary mistakes.

Weaknesses of SDSU:

Lack of Size and Physicality: While SDSU is a skilled and efficient team, they don’t have the same size and physical presence as LSU. The Tigers’ dominance in the post, led by Angel Reese, will be difficult for SDSU to counter. LSU’s size advantage in the frontcourt could be a decisive factor, especially in rebounding battles and in defending the paint. If SDSU can’t contain Reese and LSU’s other post players, they may struggle to keep up.
Defensive Vulnerabilities: While SDSU is a well-coached team, they are not known for their defensive prowess at the same level as LSU. The Jackrabbits will need to find a way to slow down LSU’s offense, particularly their fast breaks and inside scoring. If SDSU can’t limit LSU’s second-chance points or prevent easy baskets, they will be in for a tough time.

Key Matchups to Watch

Angel Reese vs. Myah Selland: This is the marquee matchup of the game. Reese’s physicality and ability to dominate the post will be tested by Selland’s versatility and offensive skills. Both players are capable of leading their teams to victory, and whoever wins this battle will have a huge impact on the game.
LSU’s Defense vs. SDSU’s Three-Point Shooting: SDSU will need to shoot well from beyond the arc to keep pace with LSU’s offensive power. LSU’s defense, especially in terms of contesting shots, will be tested in this matchup. If SDSU can knock down their shots consistently, they will put pressure on LSU’s defense.
Rebounding Battle: LSU has a significant size advantage, particularly with Angel Reese on the boards. SDSU will need to box out and limit second-chance opportunities for LSU. If LSU controls the glass, it could be a long night for the Jackrabbits.