Historic defensive showing propels LSU to women's Final Four

Angel Reese Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Historic defensive performance propels LSU to women's Final Four

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/26/23

After 15 seasons, the LSU Tigers are on their way back to the Final Four thanks to a historic defensive performance vs. No. 9 Miami Sunday in the Elite Eight.

While neither the Tigers nor the Hurricanes shot the ball particularly well on Sunday, LSU's tenacious defensive effort made the difference. Winning 54-42, LSU's 42 points against are the fourth fewest surrendered in the Elite Eight or later in NCAA Tournament history.

The LSU Tigers are geauxing to the Final Four for the first time since 2008.

The 42 points they surrendered are the fourth-fewest in the Elite 8 or later in tournament history. pic.twitter.com/li9M1RCpIX
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 27, 2023

LSU squeezed Miami and didn't let go, holding the Hurricanes to single-digit points in both the first (8) and third quarters (7). The Tigers led by six at halftime, holding Miami to only 20 first-half points. LSU would continue this suffocation in the second half, when they limited the Hurricanes to 22 points.

Miami shot only 31.6% from the field while finishing 0-for-15 from 3.

Despite encountering shooting woes, sophomore standout Angel Reese once again led the Tigers charge. Reese shot only 3-of-15 from the field and 7-of-10 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. And she absolutely dominated the boards, grabbing 18 rebounds, 14 on the defensive end.

The Tigers take it! LSU defeats Miami 54-42 and heads to the Final Four#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/DJojTWlOZy
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) March 27, 2023

Senior guard Alexis Morris scored a team-high 21 points in LSU's win, finishing 8-of-22 from the field while adding two rebounds, two assists and four steals.

With the win, LSU advances to the Final Four for the first time since 2008. The Tigers will take on the winner of No. 1 Virginia Tech vs. No. 3 Ohio State, which is scheduled to tip off Monday at 9 p.m. EST.

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