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LSU coach Kim Mulkey expecting key point guard to be available vs. Rice

Originally posted on LSU Glory | By Tyler Sakalys-Moore | Last updated 3/21/24

We’re just one day out from the start of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and there’s no shortage of questions heading into the day. As it pertains to the Bayou Bengals, LSU coach Kim Mulkey shared some encouraging updates about star point guard Last-Tear Poa early this afternoon.

LSU coach Kim Mulkey provided an encouraging update on talented point guard Last-Tear Poa

There was a moment when many fans weren’t sure if we’d see much more of point guard Last-Tear Poa during the 2024 women’s college basketball season. After going down with a severe concussion vs. Ole Miss during the SEC Tournament, the Melbourne, AUS, product was stretchered off the court and wouldn’t see playing time the rest of the weekend.

This was a major loss for a Tiger team that was already hurting for depth, especially considering the impact Poa has had on the season thus far. Recording five points, 1.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals on 20.6 minutes per game, she’s having a career year.

Luckily, based on early reports, it doesn’t appear that she’s quite finished yet. While speaking with the media earlier this afternoon, LSU coach Kim Mulkey shared an encouraging update on her star guard, explaining that she practiced yesterday and is expected to be available.

More footage of Poa operating in practice today.

She looks pretty good, moving pretty well.#LSU pic.twitter.com/7mOLmUgf49

— Cory Diaz (@ByCoryDiaz) March 21, 2024

Even better, Poa echoed the sentiment, expressing her excitement to get back to an in-game scenario, saying, “I’m excited. I’ve been working my butt off the whole week just to make sure I take care of myself first, but most importantly for the team.”

Senior Hailey Van Lith staying ready for anything

With Last-Tear Poa more than likely going to make a limited appearance vs. Rice, the Tigers have every reason to feel good about their depth heading into the tournament.

All season long, they’ve gone with a seven-player rotation primarily, which means they will likely be able to either continue this, or maybe even add another guard into the mix such as Janae Kent, who saw playing time in each of the purple and gold SEC Tournament games.

Regardless of how they elect to go about things, one thing that we can expect to see is Hailey Van Lith with some work as the primary ball handler.

While she’s much more of a natural off-ball guard, it sounds as though she understands the situation and will be ready for anything the team needs.

LSU G Hailey Van Lith:

“If Poa can’t play I have to be a full time point guard. Whatever has to be done has to be done. I’m too old to worry about anything else. We would love to have Poa, but if she can’t play we have to adjust. Win and move on.”

— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) March 21, 2024

We won’t be waiting much longer to find out just how available Last-Tear Poa truly is. No. 3 LSU women’s basketball (28-5) will take on No. 14 Rice (19-14) tomorrow, Friday, March 22 at 3:00 p.m. CST as coach Kim Mulkey and the Tigers look to get the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament off to a hot start.

This article first appeared on LSU Glory and was syndicated with permission.

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