That’s more like it
LSU (8-0) finally looked like a potential Final 4 team as the Tigers beat #20 NC State 82-65 to win something known as the Baha Mar Pink Flamingo Championship.
“It’s hard to focus this time of year and I thought the two games we played here told us a little bit more about ourselves,” Kim Mulkey said. “It helped us get better. We’re ready to be home and enjoy our day off for Thanksgiving tomorrow and then get ready for Sunday.”
It was a nice, easy win for LSU especially after the Tigers had to rally furiously against Washington on Monday. Against the Huskies, LSU shot a season-worst 33 percent from the floor; against the Wolfpack? 53 percent shooting, and 7-14 from three.
“This game will humble you one minute and then it will be the highest of highs the next minute,” Mulkey said. “It wasn’t any different – just one of those nights.”
Aneesah Morrow earned championship game MVP honors after recording her sixth consecutive double-double. Morrow had 20 points and 15 rebounds.
“She plays with a motor,” Coach Mulkey said. “She never stops hustling. She never stops rebounding. She never stops just going hard.”
Kailyn Gilbert, the hero of LSU’s rally against Washington, had 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Gilbert earned all-tournament team honors.
Flau’jae Johnson had 16 points, while Mikaylah Williams had a game-high 24 points and was 4-7 from three.
In its first game against a ranked opponent, LSU was dominant inside. LSU out-rebounded the Wolfpack 44-24, and LSU was also +10 in points in the paint (28 to 18). Mulkey also inserted Last Tear-Poa into the starting lineup for the first time this season, though she only played about four minutes. Instead, Shayeann Day-Wilson came off the bench and ran the point. Day-Wilson tied a career-best with nine assists, and as a team LSU had a season best 15.
LSU will be home for Thanksgiving before returning to the PMAC Sunday afternoon against NC Central.