Who’s your 68?
That’s the question LSU women’s basketball associate head coach Bob Starkey posed to the team at Thursday’s practice.
The motivational tactic originates from the story of NHL player Jaromir Jagr wearing No. 68 in memory of his grandfather, who died in 1968 after being imprisoned when the Soviet army invaded Czechoslovakia.
On Thursday, the Lady Tigers each picked their own “68,” someone or something that inspires them and to whom they will dedicate Sunday’s game against Arkansas and the remaining games this season.
LSU travels to Arkansas at 2 p.m. on Sunday, hoping to avenge a 53-45 loss to the Razorbacks at home Jan. 27.
LSU senior guard Katherine Graham said her “68” is her godmother, who died in October 2009 of sickle cell anemia.
With their “68s” in mind, Graham said the team has its eye on limiting Arkansas’ free throw attempts and not giving shooters open opportunities.
“This late in the season, you need that extra push … something we can hold each other accountable and hold ourselves accountable for,” Graham said. “Arkansas is a great team as far as having shooters and running the floor in transition. We have to keep them out of the paint.”
Arkansas junior guard C’eira Ricketts exploited LSU for 20 points and nine rebounds in their previous meeting. LSU junior forward LaSondra Barrett said containing Ricketts will be crucial Sunday.
“I had the privilege of playing with her on Team USA, so knowing her personally, I know she guns after LSU,” Barrett said. “She has a stronger right hand, so we need to force her to her left and make her make tough shots.”
Barrett, who scored her 1,000th career point in the first matchup against Arkansas despite shooting 3-of-17 from the field, said her “68” is her family, whom she relies on for guidance before and after every game. She said the team’s emotion during the “68” speech was a great bonding exercise and helped guide its focus.
“Everybody poured their heart out,” Barrett said. “That’s the message right now — we’re playing not just for ourselves, the coaches and our fans, but for something deeper. Mine is my family — they’re my support system who first put a basketball in my hand.”
Barrett said the Lady Tigers are thrilled to get a second chance at the Razorbacks, this time in Fayetteville. LSU nearly knocked off Kentucky on Feb. 13 in Lexington, falling on a last-second layup.
LSU missed six free throws against Kentucky and went a meager 7-for-17 from the charity stripe in the first Arkansas game.
“Free throws will win or lose games,” Barrett said. “That’s not a part of practice where you just take a break. It’s about being able to make those shots even when you’re tired.”