For most college students, saying goodbye is a tough thing to do. Not for LSU senior guard Quianna Chaney. Using a combination of outside shooting and perimeter defense, Chaney led the No. 6 Lady Tigers to an 83-46 win against Arkansas (17-11, 2-11). With the win, the LSU senior class clinched its third Southeastern Conference Championship in four seasons. “No words can describe [the championship],” said LSU senior center Sylvia Fowles. “You just think about where this program came from. It’s a blessing.” Prior to the game, LSU coach Van Chancellor and assistant coach Bob Starkey presented the teams’ senior managers and players with roses and a portrait to honor their careers. Chaney had a large support group consisting of family and friends in attendance who had banners and posters supporting the Baton Rouge native. “I thought it was a Mardi Gras parade with [Chaney] as the Queen,” Chancellor said. “I didn’t think she would play well. I thought she would come out and be too emotional with all her family here.” The Lady Tigers (24-4, 13-0) came out of the gates on fire, taking a 19-2 lead six minutes into the game. LSU had 24 assists and a school record-low three turnovers for the game. “LSU plays with as much confidence as any team in the country,” said Arkansas coach Tom Collen. “They don’t beat themselves. They take better care of the basketball than any team in America.” Chaney scored 15 of her game-high 20 points during the first-half spurt, making her first five 3-point attempts. “You probably won’t believe me, but the first thing I told our kids in the locker room is to not let Chaney get open looks from [behind the arc],” Collen said. Chancellor said Chaney’s early shooting was vital in the Lady Tigers’ win. “She was making shots from everywhere,” Chancellor said. “She didn’t know what she was doing. She was just shooting the ball.” LSU senior forward Marian Whitfield started for the first time in her career, replacing senior guard Erica White. Whitfield scored four of her nine points in the first few minutes to finish one point short of her career high of 10 points. Chancellor said the move was to honor Whitfield, who has been a reserve for all four seasons of her career. All eight Lady Tigers’ seniors played at least six minutes in the first half and each scored a field goal, giving LSU a 47-17 halftime advantage. LSU controlled all facets of the game, dominating points in the paint 40-16 and outscoring the Lady Backs in transition, 14-2. The Lady Tigers began the second half the same as the first, using a 20-5 run during the first six minutes to complete the win. Arkansas senior forward Sarah Pheifer and junior guard Ayana Brereton led the Lady Backs on offense, scoring 15 and 14 points, respectively. The Lady Tigers return to the court Sunday at Mississippi State. Chancellor said LSU will play inspired basketball against the Bulldogs to complete a perfect SEC season. “I don’t want our team to be satisfied,” Chancellor said. “Personally, I don’t want to share this one with the Big Orange.”
Click here to view a slideshow of the Lady Tigers’ win .
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