The LSU women’s basketball team entered its game against the Florida Gators needing another scorer besides Angel Reese and Alexis Morris. The Tigers got just that with Jasmine Carson’s performance.
Carson scored 25 points against the Gators in a 90-79 win, shooting 9 of 20 from the field and 7 of 14 from the three-point line. She also impacted the defensive side of the ball with three steals added to her stat line.
This was just what the doctor ordered for the Tigers; they needed support from their role players. Against South Carolina, Alexis Morris was the leading scorer; Angel Reese had an off day compared to her usual performance, and fans have been wondering who a third option could be.
Some days, it looks like Flaujae Johnson, LaDazhia Williams or Carson, but I think Carson can play a key role for this team.
The first thing I notice when watching her play is that she is undoubtedly a shooter; she shoots 36% from three. Carson isn’t afraid to shoot, and she is always shot-ready when Angel Reese is in the post and needs someone to kick the ball out to.
You can see her going to the wings on fast breaks, making The Tigers more dangerous in transition; with her talents, it’s a good chance that the ball is going in.
She is fourth on the team in points per game, with 10.1; she is right behind Flau’jae Johnson who is scoring 11.6 per game. Because Carson is a senior with veteran experience, she’s capable of taking over that third scorer position. Coach Kim Mulkey often draws up plays to get Carson open, knowing how dangerous she is.
I would love to see more from Carson as a shot creator. Reese and Morris are the staple in the offense, but when the offense gets stagnant, or the two leaders aren’t scoring, Carson will be dangerous.
The opposing defense will be focused on Reese and Morris; With the type of shooter Carson is, she will get opportunities to score. I would also like to see her attack the basket more and try to get to the free-throw line; she has only taken 29 free-throws on the year and has gone multiple games in a row without attempting any.
Another huge factor in this team’s success will be her effort to take someone off the dribble and be more aggressive.
Carson has demonstrated that she can be a scorer for this team; when given the opportunity to be aggressive, she has scored double digits in 10 games and has numerous 20-point games this season.
As the season nears its end and the Tigers hunt for a national championship, finding that third consistent scorer is necessary for tournament time. I think Jasmine Carson’s continued presence on the floor and willingness to shoot will be a key contributor for the Tigers.
