Tigers Tame the Wildcats: LSU Secures Thrilling Road Victory Over Kentucky
The LSU Tigers and the Wildcats faced off in Lexington. Kentucky, fourth in the Southeastern Conference, won their last two games against Missouri and Georgia, with Clara Strack's double-double standing out. Their last loss was to Texas on February 13th. Louisiana State, 11-2 in conference play, had a five-game winning streak snapped by Texas earlier this month. Flau’jae Johnson scored 21 points against Georgia, with Jersey Wolfenbarger and Sa’Myah Smith also finishing with double-doubles. For the first time this season, these teams collided in conference play. Wondering how things went down? Take a look at the details below!
Showtime
In the first quarter, Georgia Amoore blocked Aneesah Morrow, setting the tone for a strong defense. Amelia Hassett scored a two-pointer, followed by a jumper from Dazia Lawrence. Clara Strack also blocked Morrow. A steal by Hassett led to free throws for Kentucky. Shayeann Day-Wilson made her first jumper, and Clara Silva added a putback. Mikaylah Williams scored the first three-pointer, and Flau’jae Johnson was fouled, heading to the line. After a timeout, both teams struggled to score until Hassett hit two free throws. Kailyn Gilbert then scored for the Tigers, and Morrow tied the game. Amoore sank a three-pointer, and the quarter ended with contributions from Last-Tear Poa and Amoore at the free-throw line.
The second quarter started with Lawrence scoring with a layup, followed by Morrow securing her own rebound for two points. Strack scored her first points with a layup, and Hassett added two more for the Wildcats. Amoore assisted Hassett for a three-pointer, and Lawrence made a three with another assist from Amoore. Silva and Johnson both knocked down jumpers. Despite an LSU turnover, the Wildcats couldn't convert. A foul by the Tigers led to a timeout. Amoore then hit a step-back three over Poa, followed by a layup from Williams. Amoore added another triple and then a steal and layup. Silva made a layup after free throws from Williams, and Morrow grabbed a rebound for two points. The score stood at 38-26 going into halftime.
In the third quarter, Johnson kicked things off with a jumper, followed by a steal from Sa’Myah Smith, leading to a jumper from Williams. Johnson added another layup, and Saniah Tyler and Williams contributed with jumpers. The Tigers came out strong after halftime, with Morrow adding a layup and Johnson sinking both free throws. Williams scored again, and LSU took the lead with a three-pointer from Johnson. Morrow added another layup, Day-Wilson scored off a turnover, and Williams made a step-through layup. Silva capped off the quarter with a rebound and putback for two points.
In the fourth quarter, Morrow started with a layup, assisted by Johnson, followed by Amoore's block and steal for a layup. Silva added a block and layup, and Strack scored with a drive to the rim. Amoore helped Kentucky regain the lead with a layup, while Williams' jumper and free throws from both teams left the Tigers with a one-point lead. Amoore passed to Silva in the paint for a spin and two, followed by Smith grabbing a rebound for two points. Williams added a euro-step layup and hit a wide-open three. Day-Wilson made crucial free throws, and Johnson added one more, bringing the score to 65-58. After a missed three from Strack, LSU ran out the last few seconds of the game.
Statistics
Mikaylah Williams was the top scorer for Louisiana State with 24 points. Flau’jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow both achieved double-doubles, with Johnson contributing 13 points and 13 rebounds and Morrow adding 12 points and 10 rebounds. Georgia Amoore led the Wildcats in scoring with 16 points, while Dazia Lawrence and Amelia Hassett each scored nine points. Hassett and Clara Strack contributed with eight and nine rebounds, respectively. Amoore excelled in assisting, consistently finding her open teammates. Both teams had the same number of turnovers and a one-point difference in personal fouls. However, Kentucky struggled with their three-point shooting, managing only 16.7% for the night. They also fell short in free throws and field goals compared to the Tigers. The ability to nail shots was clearly the difference in tonight's game.
Next Up
The LSU Tigers handed Kentucky their fourth conference loss of the season. Georgia Amoore and the Wildcats will return to Memorial Coliseum next Thursday to host Kim Caldwell and the Lady Vols. Tennessee has won four out of their last five games, including victories over other top-25 teams like UConn and Alabama. Meanwhile, Louisiana State will also be in action next Thursday as they hit the road to face 18th-ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide currently holds a 21-6 record and is ranked seventh in the Southeastern Conference. It's safe to say that Alabama will have its hands full with the Tigers on the prowl.
