The No. 3 LSU women's basketball team delivered a powerful performance against the No. 6 Florida State University (FSU) in the second round of the NCAA Women's Tournament on March 24, 2025, winning 101-71. With this victory, the Tigers secured a spot in the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year, showcasing their depth and skill in a game marked by strong defensive tactics and scoring efficiency.
LSU entered the matchup with high expectations, having triumphed over San Diego State by a staggering 103-48 in the first round. Coach Kim Mulkey’s squad faced a tough opponent in FSU, who came into the game led by Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer with an average of 25 points per game. The anticipation was palpable as both teams had shown exceptional offensive prowess throughout the tournament.
The Tigers started strong, taking a 31-24 lead at the end of the first quarter. Mikaylah Williams, who came alive with a stunning shooting performance, found her rhythm early, hitting all five of her first-quarter shots, including two from beyond the arc. Williams finished the game with a team-high 28 points, going 10-of-12 from the field, further cementing her reputation as a key player in LSU’s campaign.
However, the first half was not without its challenges. FSU managed to toggle the lead back and forth with LSU, eventually taking a narrow 50-49 lead into halftime, despite an impressive 23 points by Latson. The pivotal moment came in the second half when LSU made a crucial adjustment to its defense. Mulkey’s strategy to contain Latson involved changing how they guarded her on screens, allowing the Tigers to bottle her up effectively.
As the teams returned to the court after the break, LSU showcased a tremendous defensive effort, limiting Latson to just 7 points in the second half. The Tigers ignited a 31-6 run in the third quarter, capitalizing on FSU’s mistakes and forcing numerous turnovers that stifled their momentum. This was highlighted by a total of 12 steals and 29 assists throughout the game, marking a record for LSU in NCAA tournament history. The stark contrast in defense was instrumental in LSU rallying back to dominate the game.
Aneesah Morrow also had a standout night, finishing with a near-triple-double of 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Morrow has been consistently delivering throughout the season, recording her 29th double-double. Meanwhile, Sa'Myah Smith contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds, with her performance demonstrating the depth of talent on the LSU roster. Johnson, who had returned to the team after battling injuries this season, also contributed significantly with 13 points, displaying resilience and tenacity.
The third quarter ended with LSU leading 81-55, and from there, the momentum clearly belonged to the Tigers. They played confidently and ruthlessly, extending their lead to over 30 points in the final quarter. LSU showcased their ability to play a complete game, combining strong offensive strategies with a relentless defense. This game not only propelled them to the Sweet 16 but also underscored their intent to contend for another national championship.
Post-game, Mulkey expressed her thoughts on the victory stating, “Winning and having everybody score the ball and contribute is just a lot more fun and it takes you a long way.” The LSU fans echoed that sentiment, cheering the team on as they prepared for their next challenge.
Next, LSU will face NC State on March 28, 2025, in the Sweet 16, continuing their quest for glory. In November, they secured an 82-65 victory against NC State, and with both teams having strong offensive capabilities, anticipation for this next matchup is sky-high.
The winner of the upcoming game will advance to the Elite Eight, where they will face either No. 1 overall seed UCLA or No. 5 Ole Miss, further raising the stakes for LSU as the tournament progresses. Given their performance against FSU, there is no question that the Tigers have the momentum and confidence needed to make a deep tournament run.
