After LSU notched its fourth Southeastern Conference victory, winning 53-46 against Arkansas, an undefeated finish in conference play in its coach Nikki Fargas’ sights.
LSU (15-6 overall, 4-4 SEC) broke its three-game losing streak after facing South Carolina, Kentucky and Texas A&M.
“Arkansas really forced us to really have to change up our defensive scheme and I am proud of our effort to really get after them the second, third and fourth quarter,” Fargas said. “We needed this win and we need to get ourselves back on track towards our goal, which is to continue put ourselves in position to finish at the top of our conference.”
Entering the game, Fargas wanted her team to show improvement on the defensive end, and her team provided positive results.
The Lady Tigers, who are currently ranked eighth in the SEC in steals with an averaging 13 per game, held Arkansas to 36 percent shooting.
“Our defense was tremendous,” Fargas said. “We ran some trapping and turned them over. We were aggressive in our gap defense where it’s our man to man … it allowed our team to sink into their defensive assignment. “
Senior guard Raigyne Moncrief, LSU’s leader in steals, said the team’s defensive plays steered the Lady Tigers’ offense against Arkansas.
“Coach said our defense leads to our offense so once we started getting steals and getting energy plays, that’s when everything started going,” Moncrief said. “Then [Jasmine Rhodes and Rina Hill] started hitting shots and everything else started going our way.”
LSU forced 22 turnovers and were able to capitalize by scoring 23 points from Arkansas’ mishaps. Moncrief contributed seven defensive rebounds and seven steals.
Senior guard Jasmine Rhodes offensive efforts also helped lead the Lady Tigers to a victory.
Rhodes spearheaded the Lady Tigers in points with 13 points with Moncrief right behind with 12.
Rhodes stepped out of her guard position and stepped into a forward’s position to lead the Lady Tigers in points for the first time this season.
“It’s not about points for me,” Rhodes said. “I’m here for whatever they need me for. I play the four, I play the one, I play the two. I’ll do whatever they need me to do. If I can score doing it, that’s great. If I can’t, as long as we can get the win, that’s awesome.”
