1. WHAT WE LEARNED
Kim Mulkey said her team wasn’t just a one-person show, meaning Angel Reese. The All-American forward fouled out, as did starters Flau’Jae Johnson and Kateri Poole. But LSU found a way for its biggest win in 15 years, outlasting Utah 66-63 in a thriller Friday to reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Greenville 2 regional. It was the first time the Tigers had three players foul out, but still somehow beat the Pac-12 co-champions.
2. TRENDING NOW
LaDazhia Williams. LSU’s graduate transfer forward typically toils in Reese’s long shadow, but Friday’s game was her time to shine like never before. With Reese in foul trouble much of the game and the outside shots not falling, Williams took over the Tigers’ scoring with a string of deft moves to the basket and some clutch jump shots near the lane. She finished with an LSU career-high 24 points when the Tigers desperately needed her offense.
3. FINAL THOUGHTS
LSU’s biggest win of this season was perhaps its most unorthodox, but however you win in the NCAA tournament it doesn’t matter. The old axiom “survive and advance” is what matters. Williams and Morris, who had four clutch free throws in the closing seconds, led the way. Now LSU prepares for an upstart Miami team, this tournament’s Cinderella, which has beaten three higher-seeded foes to get here. A completely unexpected regional final to be sure.
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