As the final seconds approached with LSU down a point against Connecticut, everyone watching the nationally televised broadcast thought the ball would likely wind up in the hands of reigning national player of the year, Seimone Augustus. Augustus’ shot fell short, and the Lady Tigers suffered a 51-48 defeat in which they shot only 38 percent from the field and were understandably disappointed afterward. “I could have done better in the last minutes to help my team out, and I didn’t, which is frustrating,” said sophomore center Sylvia Fowles. “But as long as we put in work to overcome our mistakes, we’ll be alright.” The Lady Tigers will have their first test since the setback against UConn today, as the Alabama Crimson Tide comes to the PMAC at 7:00 p.m. “Everybody understands what we did wrong,” Augustus said. “We know the things we need to clean up and capitalize on in order to win this next game.” The loss ended a 14-game winning streak – the best start for the women’s team since they opened the 2002-03 season 15-0. Culminating with a nationally televised game against defending national champion Baylor on Jan. 30, the Lady Tigers will conclude the toughest pre-conference schedule in the programs 31-year history, which included six opponents ranked in the top 25. Augustus said she thinks the schedule has kept the team on point throughout the season. “With a schedule like this where you have a tough opponent every night, we have to play each game as if its our last and be consistent in doing so,” Augustus said. “You have to bring your A-game every night, and you have to have a championship-type mentality if you want to be the greatest team that you could possibly be.” LSU coach Pokey Chatman has monitored the team’s progress since their season-opening win against No. 13 Texas Tech and said she has been especially pleased by their play on defense. “The first positive place to look would have to be on the defensive end of the floor,” Chatman said. “That’s something we have established early through good competition, and that’s something that has been consistent for us.” Chatman said she knows what aspects of the team must be improved on as Southeastern Conference play gets into full swing. “The next phase for us is to get more players established offensively,” Chatman said. “Not saying Sylvia and Seimone won’t get their touches, but we need to establish another consistent threat to relieve some pressure off those two.” If Alabama wins tonight’s game they will boost their record higher than .500, but Augustus said the team is aware of what needs to be done to win.
“We just need to have an effective offense and make sure our defense is consistent for 40 minutes,” Augustus said. “We need to be getting our hands on balls, getting deflections and doing the things we need to do to contain their offense.”
 
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