It was obvious the minute the LSU Lady Tigers stepped on the court against Alabama last night that the loss suffered at Connecticut on Monday was well behind them.
In a game where the offense rebounded from a bad shooting performance in Hartford, Conn., to shoot 49.2 percent from the field, it was the Tigers’ defensive effort that ensured their 15th victory of the season.
“We pressured and trapped them a little bit,” coach Pokey Chatman said. “We thought we could utilize some of our speed and quickness and make them play fast.”
The strategy worked as the defensive pressure came early against the Crimson Tide. LSU began the game forcing six turnovers in Alabama’s first eight possessions.
The Tide, who average more than 20 turnovers a game, had committed as many by halftime.
“I think our ability to get out on the defensive floor and apply full court pressure allowed Alabama not to get in a rhythm,” Chatman said. “That created some easy transition baskets for us.”
The Lady Tigers grabbed 18 steals and finished the game forcing 31 turnovers-the second highest total of the season.
“They absolutely didn’t allow us to execute on offense,” said Alabama coach Stephany Smith. “They did a lot of double teams, and with their athleticism, they just smothered us.”
Senior guard Scholanda Hoston led the defensive charge with six steals, while sophomore Erica White, who made the first start of her career, managed to get four.
“Usually, when I get in the game, I just have to maintain what everyone else is doing,” White said. “Tonight, I felt like I had to go out there and get things started.”
Even when the Lady Tigers could not muster a turnover, their defense helped hold Alabama to just 34 percent shooting on the night.
With the pressure defense in full swing, the Lady Tigers’ offense benefited. LSU scored 34 points off turnovers, eight of which came on fast breaks.
The dominance on defense was even more impressive considering LSU’s leading shot blocker, Sylvia Fowles, played only 14 minutes because of foul trouble.
Even while on the bench, Smith said Fowles’ presence was intimidating to her squad.
“Even when [Fowles] is out the game, you are so used to being hesitant and tentative around her that you treat everybody the same, just as if she was on the court.” Smith said.
 
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