In a thrilling matchup on January 13, 2025, the No. 5 LSU Tigers maintained their undefeated streak by narrowly defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores, 83-77, at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. citeturn0search1
Game Overview
The contest was intensely competitive, featuring 13 lead changes and a maximum lead of just six points for either team. LSU’s victory was propelled by standout performances from Flau’Jae Johnson, who scored 25 points, and Aneesah Morrow, who contributed 23 points and dominated the boards with 15 rebounds. Mikaylah Williams also made a significant impact, adding 20 points to the Tigers’ tally. citeturn0search1
Vanderbilt’s efforts were led by Khamil Pierre, who achieved a game-high 28 points and secured eight rebounds, while Iyana Moore added 23 points. Despite their valiant efforts, the Commodores fell short, bringing their season record to 14-4 overall and 1-3 in SEC play. citeturn0search1
Key Moments
In the final minute, with LSU leading 77-74, Johnson missed a contested layup. Morrow seized the offensive rebound and scored a crucial putback, extending the lead to 79-74 with 59 seconds remaining. This pivotal play underscored Morrow’s relentless presence in the paint and was instrumental in securing the Tigers’ victory. citeturn0search1
Statistical Highlights
- Rebounding Dominance: LSU outrebounded Vanderbilt 45-25, showcasing their physicality and control in the paint. Morrow’s 15 rebounds were central to this advantage. citeturn0search1
- Milestone Achievement: Aneesah Morrow’s performance elevated her career totals to over 2,500 points and 1,500 rebounds, making her only the eighth player in NCAA Division I history to reach these milestones. citeturn0search1
- Three-Point Shooting: LSU’s perimeter shooting remained a concern, as the team went 3-for-9 from beyond the arc. In their last three games, the Tigers have struggled from long range, shooting a combined 4-for-23. citeturn0search1
Player Spotlight: Aneesah Morrow
Aneesah Morrow’s journey to this historic achievement is a testament to her dedication and skill. Standing at 6’1″, the forward from Chicago, Illinois, began her collegiate career at DePaul University, where she made an immediate impact. As a freshman, she led the nation in rebounds per game and earned numerous accolades, including the USBWA National Freshman of the Year and WBCA Freshman of the Year honors. citeturn0search16
After two stellar seasons at DePaul, Morrow transferred to LSU, where she continued to excel. In the 2023-24 season, she averaged 16.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, recording 21 double-doubles, which ranked fifth nationally. Her defensive prowess was also evident, as she totaled 93 steals and 93 blocks throughout the season. citeturn0search0
Morrow’s versatility and consistency have been pivotal to LSU’s success. Her ability to score efficiently, dominate the glass, and contribute defensively makes her one of the most complete players in college basketball. Her recent milestone of surpassing 2,500 career points and 1,500 rebounds further cements her legacy as one of the game’s greats. citeturn0search1
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
LSU’s victory over Vanderbilt improved their record to 19-0 overall and 4-0 in SEC play, extending the second-best start in the program’s history. However, the game also highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in perimeter shooting and offensive discipline. The Tigers committed several charging fouls in the first half, a result of overaggressive drives, which allowed Vanderbilt to erase a six-point deficit and tie the game at halftime. citeturn0search1
Head Coach Kim Mulkey acknowledged the need for adjustments, stating, “We have to be smarter with our offensive decisions and ensure we’re taking high-quality shots. Our rebounding gives us an edge, but we can’t rely solely on that.”
Looking ahead, LSU faces a challenging schedule as they continue SEC play. Their next game is an away matchup against Florida, a team known for its defensive intensity. Maintaining their undefeated record will require the Tigers to address their shooting inconsistencies and continue leveraging their strengths in rebounding and inside scoring.
Vanderbilt’s Performance and Prospects
Despite the loss, Vanderbilt showcased resilience and tactical acumen. Their ability to draw charging fouls and capitalize on LSU’s mistakes kept them competitive throughout the game. Khamil Pierre’s 28-point performance highlighted her scoring ability and leadership on the court. As the Commodores prepare to host No. 15 Tennessee in their next game, building on these positives will be crucial for their success in the remainder of the season.
