First Half: A Competitive Start

Florida State came into the matchup with confidence, knowing they had the offensive firepower to hang with LSU. The Seminoles set the tone early with aggressive play from freshman phenom Ta’Niya Latson, who was unafraid to attack the basket against LSU’s imposing defense. Latson scored eight quick points in the first quarter, helping FSU take an early lead.

LSU, however, responded quickly with their own offensive attack, led by Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson. The Tigers took advantage of their size and rebounding ability to dominate the boards. Still, Florida State managed to keep pace, finishing the first quarter trailing only 24-20.

The second quarter saw a back-and-forth battle between both teams. FSU’s outside shooting kept them in the game, with timely three-pointers from O’Mariah Gordon and Sara Bejedi. However, LSU’s defensive adjustments started to take effect, as they began applying more pressure on the perimeter and forcing turnovers.

Despite the defensive intensity, Florida State refused to back down. They remained within striking distance at halftime, trailing LSU by just seven points, 45-38. It was a promising first half for the Seminoles, but the game would soon take a drastic turn.

Second Half: LSU’s Dominance Unleashed

Coming out of the locker room, LSU wasted no time asserting its dominance. The Tigers went on a 12-2 run to open the third quarter, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair. Reese and Johnson were relentless in attacking the basket, drawing fouls and converting on second-chance opportunities.

Florida State struggled to find an answer for LSU’s interior presence. The Tigers outscored the Seminoles 32-12 in the third quarter alone, effectively putting the game out of reach. Reese recorded her 25th double-double of the season before the fourth quarter even began, finishing with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

Flau’jae Johnson, the talented sophomore guard, was equally instrumental in LSU’s offensive explosion. She tallied 21 points while also contributing on the defensive end, where she forced multiple turnovers that led to fast-break points.

On the other hand, Florida State’s offense completely unraveled in the second half. Latson, who had been so effective in the first half, struggled to find her rhythm against LSU’s aggressive defense. The Seminoles shot just 28% from the field in the second half compared to LSU’s scorching 62% shooting percentage.

Fourth Quarter: Tigers Seal the Deal

By the time the fourth quarter began, LSU had built a 27-point lead, making a Seminoles comeback highly improbable. The Tigers continued to execute their game plan, extending their lead even further. Coach Kim Mulkey gave her bench players some valuable minutes, yet the intensity remained high.

LSU’s offense continued to shine, with Kateri Poole and Last-Tear Poa getting in on the scoring action. The Tigers reached the 100-point mark with just under two minutes left in the game, a testament to their offensive firepower and efficiency.

Florida State, to their credit, fought until the final buzzer. Latson finished with 19 points despite the tough night, while Bejedi and Gordon added 12 and 10 points, respectively. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome LSU’s onslaught.

Key Factors in LSU’s Victory

1. Dominance in the Paint: LSU outscored Florida State 58-26 in points in the paint, using their size advantage effectively.
2. Rebounding Superiority: The Tigers outrebounded the Seminoles 46-29, leading to numerous second-chance opportunities.
3. Defensive Adjustments: LSU’s aggressive defensive adjustments in the second half shut down Florida State’s perimeter game.
4. Efficient Scoring: LSU shot an impressive 54% from the field compared to Florida State’s 37%.
5. Star Performances: Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson led the way, combining for 44 points and dominating both ends of the floor.

Looking Ahead

With the victory, LSU advances to the Sweet 16, where they will look to continue their title defense. The Tigers’ performance against Florida State showcased why they are a serious contender for another national championship.

For Florida State, the loss marks the end of an impressive season. Though the defeat was a tough one, the young core led by Ta’Niya Latson shows promise for the future. With another year of experience, the Seminoles could be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.

Final Thoughts

LSU’s dominant second half served as a reminder of why they are one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. Their depth, physicality, and ability to make adjustments mid-game make them a formidable opponent for any team left in the tournament. As they move forward in the NCAA Tournament, they will undoubtedly be a team to watch.

Final Score: LSU 101, Florida State 71.