Though the LSU women’s basketball team struggled early Wednesday night, it didn’t take long for the Lady Tigers to take control and run away with the game in a 73-54 win against Hampton.
Senior forward Theresa Plaisance led the Lady Tigers (3-1), posting her ninth career double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
LSU found itself trailing 14-10 midway through the first half after committing seven turnovers in the first 11 minutes of the game.
Plaisance and LSU freshman guard Raigyne Moncrief were absent during much of this stretch due to some early foul trouble.
But the Lady Tigers used staunch defense to hold Hampton to just one more field goal for the rest of the half as it went on a 24-6 run to take a 34-20 halftime lead.
“I felt comfortable with going to our bench early, and they performed,” said LSU coach Nikki Caldwell. “They held it down, and we were able to buy some time to then bring back Theresa and Raigyne.”
Hampton struggled to get the ball across half court against the LSU press during the run, something the Lady Tigers hope to replicate throughout the season.
“With our quick guards up at the front, we do a great job of that,” Plaisance said. “That press can do a lot when it comes to turning our defense into offense.”
The Lady Pirates made a few attempts to get back into it, but was never able to cut the deficit to within eight points as LSU cruised to victory.
LSU officially sealed the game in the final two minutes of the game in a sequence involving a bucket from senior forward Shanece McKinney followed by a quick steal by freshman guard Rina Hill. Hill finished a three-point play that gave the Lady Tigers a 17-point lead.
The Lady Tigers displayed a balanced offensive attack as with five players scoring eight points or more.
Freshman guard Jasmine Rhodes made an impact off the bench in the absence of sophomore guard Danielle Ballard, who missed Wednesday night’s game due to a violation of team rules, posting a career high 14 points in addition to nine rebounds.
“She’s just positive stuff,” Caldwell said. “Whether it’s a hustle play, whether she ran down an offensive rebound or a defense board, those are pep plays. Those are things that give us energy.”
Hampton stayed within reaching distance for a majority of the game, thanks in large to part to senior guard Nicole Hamilton who provided half of the Lady Pirates’ offense, shooting 10-for-19 for 27 points.
The Lady Tigers will begin a three-game road trip Saturday when it travels to Ruston, La., to take on Louisiana Tech.

Gallery • 16 Photos

Richard Redmann

LSU freshman guard Rina Hill (13) drives toward the goal Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 during the Lady Tiger's 73-54 vitory against Hampton Lady Pirates in the PMAC.