What a way to get things going for Tiger women’s basketball in the SEC tournament. After starting out on a 21-0 run, the purple and gold went on to dominate Auburn in today’s matchup, even despite star LSU forward Angel Reese going down mid-way through with an apparent lower body injury.
LSU women’s basketball continues their hot streak in SEC tournament opener
It’s hard to imagine a better way to kick off the women’s basketball tournament season than a 21-0 run, but that’s exactly what the Tigers managed to do in their SEC tournament opener today vs. Auburn.
Heading into the day LSU women’s basketball and the Tigers of Auburn had faced off twice during the regular season, and to say the matchups were close would be an understatement. The two teams split the series 1-1, and even split the scores evenly, putting up 133 total points each.
In turn, a somewhat close game was expected, especially with the uncertainty with freshman phenom Mikaylah Williams‘ availability. However, it’s now abundantly clear that coach Kim Mulkey and her squad had other ideas in mind.
The purple and gold eventually came away with a 78-48 victory and dominated the whole way through.
Not only was it a thorough victory for the Tigers, but it was a game in which everyone contributed in some way, shape or form. In fact, all five starters scored at least double-digits, as sophomore guard Flau’jae Johnson led the way with 25.
Additionally, becoming something of a tradition, star LSU forward Angel Reese was able to record yet another double-double – her 21st of the season and 10th in a row – recording 18 points to go along with 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Star LSU forward Angel Reese shares encouraging update on in-game injury
What made the dominant win all the more impressive was the fact that the Tigers were without star LSU forward Angel Reese for a good chunk of the matchup after she went down with an injury just minutes into the fourth quarter.
At the time, it didn’t look good, as the Baltimore, MD, product couldn’t put weight on it initially. Still, after spending some time on the bike she not only began to look better physically, but mentally as she returned to her team, laughing and smiling as they enjoyed their SEC tournament victory.
Even better, Reese sounded confident following the win, explaining that she doesn’t expect to miss any time going forward.
According to a report by Cory Diaz of the USA Today Network, the star LSU forward explained that she just rolled her ankle and expects to play tomorrow against either Florida or Ole Miss, depending on who the Tigers end up matched up against.
Coach Kim Mulkey and her squad will next take the court tomorrow, Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CST against either No. 3 Ole Miss or No. 11 Florida, who faceoff tonight in their elimination game. Regardless of who they will take on, there’s no doubt that Reese and the entire LSU women’s basketball roster will be ready to give them everything they have.
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