LSU women’s basketball dominated Northwestern State Friday night 95-36, powered by a suffocating defensive performance.
The Tigers second game of the season demonstrated a collective, aggressive style of play, amounting to 28 turnovers forced and allowed just 12 points within the arc. Strong performances from Flau’jae Johnson and Mikayla Williams carried the offense.
The tone was set early by Williams and Johnson imposing their will on both sides of the ball. Despite pesky defense from LSU, Northwestern State kept up pace with four 3-pointers in the first quarter.
This didn’t continue: the Demons only made one more the rest of the game and were unable to produce down low. They finished 5-for-32 from three.
Despite a cold streak to start the second, LSU dominated in the paint. Four blocks in the quarter set the tone underneath. Head coach Kim Mulkey also called a few quick hitters to get Aalyah Del Rosario involved early.
Offensively, the quarter was highlighted by Williams and Johnson playmaking off each other. This included draining threes within a minute of each other and Williams tipping a pass that was paid off by a Johnson and-one.
Out of the half, the Tigers started on an 8-0 run. A flurry of fouls and points in the paint from Aneesah Morrow put LSU up 46 to end the quarter.
In the fourth, nine players made exactly one field goal. The quarter was mainly played by the bench, who still allowed just eight points. Northwestern State did not score double digits in any quarter after the first.
Mulkey expressed frustration with the Demons’ last possession layup, pointing out they matched their score from last year’s game against LSU.
Still, the Tigers won emphatically.
The defense collectively played excellent in every capacity. Guards and forwards allowed nothing one-on-one, defensive help forced passes and a swarming defense forced consistent turnovers. Northwestern State finished with a field goal percentage of 19%.
Most responsible for this result was the high motor the entire roster played with. Guards pushed stubbornly through screens and forwards secured their positioning throughout. Though not a close game, the Tiger’s hustle would make you think otherwise.
Johnson finished the game shooting 10-for-16 with 24 points, seven rebounds and two steals.
“It just looks like she’s just floating out there. Everything’s just effortless,” Mulkey said. “One of the things she did really good tonight, she fed the post early.”
LSU’s post offense wasn’t totally efficient but frequently benefitted from dynamic action opening up easy scores.
Mikaylah Williams finished 7-for-13, producing 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. It was a strong game from her defensively.
The speed of the offense was evident, frequently capitalizing off turnovers. They scored 32 on fast breaks and 41 off turnovers.
Kailyn Gilbert shined off the bench, especially in transition. She created six turnovers, scored 13 on 6-for-10 shooting, with seven rebounds and three assists.
“She was praised in that locker room after the game,” Mulkey said. “She has really put in the effort in practice, and it’s shown every game.”
Mulkey was frustrated with LSU’s turnovers, one of the few blemishes of the game. The team finished with 13, primarily off tight window and high lob passes.
LSU plays Charleston State next at home on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m.