SPOKANE, WA — The LSU Tigers reigned supreme against the red-hot N.C. State Wolfpack, taking them down 80-73 in the Spokane Regional 1 semi-finals.
The Tigers came out strong to start the first quarter, taking a 23-15 lead. Aneesa Morrow led them with nine points, including two three-pointers and four rebounds in the period. LSU also took charge with eight points from Sa’Myah Smith. The Wolfpack struggled to make their shots, only hitting five of their 17 shots in the quarter (29.4%). Azaiah James led the team with seven points, to go along with one steal. Madison Hayes also helped them back into the game with six of her eight in the quarter, with two rebounds. She also got into foul trouble early, with two fouls after the period. Although they fell behind early, N.C. State’s shotmaking improved, which assisted in their comeback.
As the two teams headed to the locker rooms, the Wolfpack grabbed the lead, 40-36. After not making a high percentage of their shots, they caught fire to end the half. They made eight of their 18 shots (44.4%), including three three-pointers in the period. After not seeing the floor in the first quarter, Zamareya Jones scored 11 points, including three three-pointers on four attempts (75%). They were also more aggressive to the rim, drawing five fouls in the quarter. LSU failed to draw a foul in the second period, which played a part in their loss of the lead. After a strong first quarter, Morrow was held to four points, and Smith to two before heading into the locker room. For the Tigers, Kailyn Gilbert stepped up when her number was called, scoring seven points and grabbing one rebound. After N.C. State grabbed the lead heading into the break, and LSU clawed its way back to keep the game competitive.
The Tigers took the lead back after the third quarter, 57-53. After failing to draw a foul in the second, they drew six fouls in the third, getting in the bonus with almost five minutes remaining in the period. Morrow scored 11 points in the quarter, while grabbing five rebounds. She finished with another double-double, scoring 30 points and grabbing 19 in the win. Both Zoe Brooks and Saniya Rivers played better in the third quarter, finishing with 10 points and nine points, respectively, after scoring three each in the first half. Brooks finished with 21 points, while Rivers failed to score in the fourth. As the game went back and forth, the Tigers made the final run to advance to the Spokane Regional 1 Championship.
The contest between the two teams was as chaotic as advertised, with LSU coming out on top. Mikaylah Williams made two shots midway into the fourth quarter which were key to them closing the game out. Although she failed to score in the previous quarter, Williams' eight points in the fourth guided them to the win. The Tigers will face the winner of the UCLA Bruins and Ole Miss Rebels in the other matchup of the Spokane Regional.
