SPokane, Wash. – In a thrilling showdown that showcased the resilience and determination of the LSU women's basketball team, the Tigers overcame a late deficit to defeat the NC State Wolfpack 80-73 on March 28, 2025. This victory not only secured LSU a place in the Elite Eight but also marked their third consecutive trip to this stage of the NCAA Tournament.
With under five minutes remaining, LSU found itself trailing by five points, but the team rallied to finish the game on an impressive 12-2 run. Coach Kim Mulkey expressed pride in her players, noting the significance of the moment for those who had never experienced the Sweet 16 before. "I think there’s five in our locker room that have never been to a Sweet 16," Mulkey said, referring to players like Kailyn Gilbert and Miracle Sheppard. "So they certainly haven’t been to an Elite 8, and that’s what excites you as a coach, is having players experience something for the first time.”
Aneesah Morrow was the star of the night for LSU, recording a game-high 30 points and 19 rebounds, marking her 30th double-double of the season. Morrow’s dominant performance was crucial in the Tigers' victory, and she emphasized the importance of taking matchups personally. “Nobody likes to lose, so I talked to my teammates in the huddle, and I told them we got to take our matchups personally,” Morrow stated. “We have to be able to dominate and we have to be able to make defensive stops, and we did that towards the end of the game.”
Sa'Myah Smith also contributed significantly, finishing with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Mikaylah Williams added 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Williams, who had struggled at times during the game, found her rhythm when it mattered most, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter. “I just wanted to win,” Williams said. “Just knowing that we needed a bucket to be ahead, and then my teammates trusted me with the ball to get that bucket, so just playing my part to get the win.”
Despite LSU's strong start, NC State fought back, especially in the second quarter, where freshman Zamareya Jones sparked a rally with an 11-point run. Jones finished the game with 13 points, while Zoe Brooks led the Wolfpack with 21 points on 9-of-21 shooting. Aziaha James added 12 points, but it was not enough to secure the win for NC State, which struggled offensively in the first quarter, shooting just 5-of-17.
The game saw multiple lead changes, with LSU initially jumping to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, only to see NC State respond and take a 40-36 lead into halftime. The Wolfpack’s ability to control the paint and tighten their defense was key to their comeback. However, LSU regained momentum in the second half, with Morrow scoring nine of the team's first 15 points after the break.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, NC State initially claimed control, but LSU's tenacity shone through in the final minutes. After trailing, the Tigers executed a series of crucial plays, including a key block from Gilbert that led to a fast-break bucket by Williams, sealing the victory. “She had me beat on that play, and I just saw that she brought the ball in front of me a little bit, so I went up and got it and then chased it down,” Gilbert reflected on the pivotal moment.
With this win, LSU advances to face the winner of the matchup between No. 1 UCLA and No. 6 Ole Miss, set to tip off on March 30, 2025. The game will be broadcast at 2 p.m. CT on ABC. As LSU prepares for the Elite Eight, the Tigers are not just looking to continue their tournament run but also to capture their second national championship in three seasons.
In the aftermath of the game, former LSU star Angel Reese, who led the Tigers to a national championship last season, expressed her pride in the team’s performance on social media. "Oh & that win was personal," Reese tweeted, followed by an enthusiastic, "LET'S DANCE." Her words resonate with the spirit of the team as they continue their march through March Madness.
As the tournament progresses, LSU's blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Morrow and Williams positions them as a formidable contender. The Tigers have proven they can handle pressure, and their ability to execute in clutch situations will be crucial as they aim for the Final Four. With their eyes set on the prize, LSU is ready to take on whatever challenges come next in their quest for glory.
