LSU women’s basketball found itself in a frustrating, yet familiar situation when it entered halftime against Alabama down 41-31. But behind yet another third quarter barrage, the Tigers won 85-66, outscoring the Crimson Tide 30-9 in the third quarter.
Despite the murmurs that spread through the Pete Maravich Assembly Center as both teams left the floor for halftime, the 10-point hole didn’t seem to worry LSU too much.
The last time Alabama and LSU met, LSU trailed by one at halftime, but went on to win by 20 after an explosive third quarter.
Sunday in the PMAC was no different.
Thirty points tied the most LSU has scored in a single quarter in conference play this season. Angel Reese had 11 points in the third quarter, and finished the game leading all scorers with 27.
It was another dominant game for her, tallying another double-double with 19 rebounds and six assists to go with the scoring. LSU outrebounded Alabama 54-34 for the game.
The biggest change in the second half, though, was the defense. Alabama only shot 39% from the field in the first half, but made eight 3-pointers compared to LSU’s zero.
Alabama shot 30% from the field in the second half and 33% from three. The Crimson Tide finished the game with 14 made 3-pointers, but shot 8-for-26 on 2-pointers.
LSU forced Alabama to play almost exclusively from the perimeter which helped the Tigers play to their strengths offensively by operating in transition.
Last-Tear Poa continued to make an impact in the point guard role, scoring a season-high 11 points and collected four assists. Mikaylah Williams and Flau’jae Johnson joined her and Reese in double-figures with 14 and 16 points respectively.
LSU only made two 3-pointers in the game, but were aggressive getting to the basket. The team finished with 50 points in the paint compared to Alabama’s eight and shot 29 free throws compared to Alabama’s 17.
The game finished with LSU outscoring Alabama 54-25 in the second half and adding another dominant win to its record. The Tigers now get a week off before returning with a road trip to College Station, Texas, for a rematch with Texas A&M.
