Despite playing and beating Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Texas and Penn State, among others, LSU head coach Sue Gunter said No. 1-seeded LSU’s Sweet 16 encounter with No. 5-seeded Louisiana Tech may be its most difficult game of the season.
“We have not faced a team who has as many weapons as Louisiana Tech,” Gunter said.
Ironically, the two Louisiana teams will face off in Stanford, Calif., at Maples Pavilion on the campus of Stanford University Saturday afternoon at 6 p.m. CST with a chance to advance to the Elite Eight.
La. Tech (31-2) dominated its own subregional in Ruston, La., defeating Pepperdine and Ohio State with ease, padding its winning streak to 29 games. Meanwhile, LSU (29-3) defeated Southwest Texas and Wisconsin-Green Bay on a neutral court in Eugene, Ore.
The two schools met in the round of 16 in 1999 with La. Tech winning the NCAA West Regional semifinal in Los Angeles 73-52.
“We just want revenge,” said backup point guard Kisha James. “We play a tough strength of schedule, and this is where it helps you in the long run.”
In order to move on, LSU will have to contend with Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year Cheryl Ford. Ford, who is the daughter of Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone, is tough in the paint like her famous father.
Ford is averaging 15.7 points and 12.8 rebounds per game.
“[It’s] just like we get ready for Chantelle Anderson, LaToya Thomas and all the other big SEC posts,” said forward Aiysha Smith of the challenge of playing against Ford down low. “She’s a great player; I’ve seen her play a couple of times. We’ll come at her just like anyone else.”
Gunter said she thinks the post game of Tech is very solid, and Tech is a very well-rounded team.
“I think Ford and [forward Trina] Frierson, I don’t know if we’ve played anybody with a better combination than the two of them,” Gunter said. “When you look at Louisiana Tech, they’ve got great quickness on the perimeter. I think their guards are outstanding.”
Starting point guard Temeka Johnson should be able to play despite two fractured bones in her face. She has a fractured orbital bone (around the eye) as well as a small fracture of the nasal bone.
Johnson will have to wear some protection over the affected area, although goggles have been ruled out.
“We feel good about where she is right now,” Gunter said. “The swelling is subsiding in her face. Her vision is not blurry anymore. I feel at this point, she’s going to be fine.”
If Johnson cannot go, senior Kisha James would have to play a vital role if LSU is going to advance in the tournament. James replaced Johnson when she was injured in the second half and scored five points and dished out four assists in the relief appearance.
“[James] has a lot of NCAA Tournament experience,” Smith said. “They’re both great point guards. They’re both great floor leaders.”
James feels confident she can lead the team.
“I was a starter before I went down last year,” James said. “I think I’m capable of doing anything that I need to do. If I had to play the whole game, I think I could.”