LSU women's basketball throttles San Diego State, advances to NCAA Second Round
LSU women's basketball started the NCAA Tournament on a high-note. In front of its home crowd on Saturday, the Tigers crushed San Diego State 103-48 during the first round matchup.
Flau'Jae Johnson, who scored her 1,500 career point in the contest, finished with 22 points in her first game back from an injury. Aneesah Morrow, who was also recovering from an injury, posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. LSU shot 50% from the field through four quarters.
The Tigers opened on an 11-0 run, holding the Aztecs without a basket for the game's first three minutes. Head coach Kim Mulkey went to her bench early in the first half. Mjracle Sheppard, Kailyn Gilbert and Jersey Wolfenbarger were heavy contributors in the opening 20 minutes and helped LSU take a 29 point lead into the break.
ndThe starters for the Tigers extended the edge to 30 points three minutes into the third quarter. LSU's defense was stifling, allowing just four field goals by San Diego State in the frame. The Aztecs had 19 turnovers through the contest as they struggled to establish a rhythm in their half court sets.
Here are five takeaways from LSU's win over San Diego State in the first round of March Madness.
Johnson, Morrow back to normal
Mulkey said repeatedly that her two leading scorers would be ready for the NCAA Tournament. Both lived up to her expectations as each turned in stellar performances in the opening game.
Johnson, sidelined for the SEC Tournament with a shin injury, shot nine for 15 from the field for a game-high 22 points and four steals. She got out in transition and looked to be in peak postseason form.
After a second-half exit in the SEC Tournament semifinals, it was business as usual for Morrow. She notched a double-double once again with 12 points and 12 rebounds. She got to the foul line often and found her teammates on the perimeter, finishing with three assists.
LSU shoots well from three-point range
The Tigers don't rely on three-pointers to win games but they cashed in on two hot hands on Saturday.
Mikaylah Williams made all three of her attempts from beyond the arc while Johnson knocked down four from deep. Off the bench, Day-Wilson found a rhythm with a three-of-four showing. LSU knocked down 10 of its 18 attempted tries against San Diego State.
When LSU wasn't scoring in transition, they were patient on the offensive end and swung the ball around the perimeter, which led to open shots.
Day-Wilson peaks at the right time
All season long, inconsistencies plagued Day-Wilson as she attempted to establish herself as the go-to point guard for Mulkey. Against the Aztecs, she rarely faltered.
The senior transfer from Miami shot four of five from the field with three triples for 11 points, her first double-digit performance of the season. She also dished out three assists and came away with a steal.
For a team that likes to push the pace of play, it's important for Mulkey to have reliable scorers on the bench that can bring the same energy as her starters. Saturday's performance should give Day-Wilson confidence that she can produce on the biggest stage.
Bench players capitalize on blowout at home
Every available player saw time by the third quarter for the Tigers on Saturday. It what could be their last minutes of the season, several made the most of their opportunities.
LSU's bench combined to score 45 points, led by 11 from Day-Wilson and from Mjracle Sheppard. Aalyah Del Rosario flirted with a double-double as she finished with nine points on three-of-three shooting and nine rebounds. Jersey Wolfenbarger and Jada Richard scored six and five points, respectively.
What's next?
LSU will play its final game in the PMAC of the season in a second-round matchup against Florida State. The No.6-seeded Seminoles defeated George Mason 94-58 to advance.
The Tigers meet a team similar to them as Florida State is a high-scoring team that likes to push the pace of play and get lots of paint touches. The winner will advance to the Sweet Sixteen and play the winner of Michigan State and NC State.
That's a good ole Louisiana Saturday Night pic.twitter.com/Z4GRXDeyVP
— LSU Women's Basketball (@LSUwbkb) March 23, 2025
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU women's basketball throttles San Diego State | Five takeaways
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