The LSU women’s basketball team looked sharp despite a 12-day layoff, soundly defeating Ohio 85-57 to advance to the final of the womenscollegehoops.com Classic.
The Tigers (7-0) shot 58 percent from the field, including 69.7 percent in the first half and never looked back. The Bobcats (1-6) never led in the game.
LSU head coach Sue Gunter liked the team’s first half performance better than the second half, where the Tigers committed eight of its 15 turnovers. LSU shot only 46 percent in the second half. “I thought considering we’ve been off for 12 days, some of our practice time showed up in the first half,” Gunter said.
Aiysha Smith and DeTrina White paved the way for LSU inside. White, who finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, said the team worked on its press defense and was able to force 27 turnovers in the game. “That was our goal, to come in and play hard that first five minutes,” White said.
Smith said the press seemed to rattle the Ohio players, but they adjusted and the guards were able to flash through the double team to break it sometimes. LSU held Ohio scoreless the first four minutes of the game, until Ohio’s Andrea Johnson hit a three-pointer with 15:34 left in the first half. Johnson led all players with 24 points.
The Tigers built a large lead and took momentum from a 12-0 run into halftime, leading 51-28. Gunter said the team still had things it needs to improve, but the shot selection was very good throughout the game. “I thought tonight we showed patience when we needed to and we did a good job of getting post touches on the inside and kicking it back outside,” Gunter said.
Smith added 14 points for LSU and Gunter said having White play with her this year is beneficial to the team. Both shot 7 of 11 from the field. “They’re learning to play well together,” Gunter said. “I think DeTrina being there has taken some pressure off Aiysha.”
Point guard Temeka Johnson had eight points and eight assists, while Seimone Augustus contributed 12 points in 25 minutes. “We’re beginning to see a pattern and it’s beginning to fall in place for us,” Gunter said. “If we can continue to play 10 or 11 players and be effective, it’s only going to help us when we get into mid-January and February.”
LSU will face Louisville Thursday at 7 p.m. for the tournament title.