The LSU women’s basketball team held off an early second half scare in their season opener as they cruised past the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks in an 86-58 win Friday night in the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.
LSU looked in control of the game as they led 46-29 at the half, but a Ladyjack run coming out of the break cut the lead to five early in the half. The Lady Tigers regained composure however, going on a 33-10 run to end the game.
“I thought our team responded. There is going to be a game of runs,” said head coach Nikki Caldwell. “I thought we had to change up what we were doing offensively, because we started to get a little stagnant … but I’d rather our team understand that now than later.”
The Lady Tigers’ offense stuck out the most, scoring over 85 points for just the fourth time in the past three seasons. The team finished with four different players 10 or more points and all 10 Lady Tigers who played scored a point.
Junior guard DaShawn Harden led the Lady Tigers on offensive with 20 points, including four three pointers. This is Harden’s first season with the team after transferring from Johnson County Community College in the offseason.
“Offensively you can’t ask enough from her [Harden], with her efficiency, her ability to score in many different ways,” Caldwell said. “We are just going to keep challenging her on the defensive end.”
Junior center Porsha Roberts led the Ladyjacks in both points and rebounds, registering 21 points and eight rebounds. Junior guard Brittney Matthew finished second in scoring with 10 points and led the team with four assists.
LSU’s biggest struggles came on the glass, as the Ladyjacks put up 13 second chance points. Although the Lady Tigers finished with a 45-37 advantage, the team trailed in rebounds for the majority of the game.
Caldwell said she wants to challenge her guards to get more rebounds, especially when the team goes to a smaller lineup.
“We have got to rebound more, that’s one thing I’m taking from the game,” said sophomore guard Danielle Ballard. “Our offense is going to speak for itself, but we need to get an improvement on defensive rebounding.”
The Lady Tigers will be back in action Sunday afternoon, as they take on the Saint Joseph’s Hawks in the second round of the WNIT at the PMAC. Tip-off is set at 2:00 p.m.

Gallery • 10 Photos

Angela Major

LSU senior forward Theresa Plaisance (55) attempts a shot Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013 during the Tigers' 80-64 victory against St. Joseph's University in the PMAC.