January 15, 2025

Big Three Victories for LSU Women’s Basketball in Their Matchup with Vanderbilt

The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team has long been a force in NCAA basketball, and their matchup against Vanderbilt on January 14, 2025, was another testament to their dominance. The game was highly anticipated, as LSU entered the contest as one of the top teams in the country. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, has always been a competitive team in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), but they faced a tough challenge against a squad as talented as LSU. Ultimately, the Tigers came away with a resounding victory, but the path to that win was highlighted by three key moments of excellence that helped seal the game for LSU: dominant individual performances, tactical adjustments, and the depth and unity of the team.

1. Dominant Individual Performances

No conversation about LSU’s win over Vanderbilt would be complete without addressing the standout performances from some of LSU’s most talented players. In particular, three players—Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, and Alexis Morris—were instrumental in securing the victory.

Angel Reese: The Force in the Paint

Angel Reese’s impact on the game was undeniable. As one of the most highly touted players in women’s basketball, Reese showed why she is considered one of the best forwards in the country. Throughout the game, her presence in the paint was both a scoring and rebounding machine. Reese finished with a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, many of them on the offensive glass, giving LSU second-chance opportunities.

Her ability to dominate in the paint was particularly noticeable in the second half, when LSU started to pull away. Reese’s physicality and relentless work ethic wore down Vanderbilt’s defenders, and she made it clear that stopping her inside would be nearly impossible. Whether it was a post move, offensive rebound, or even a putback, Reese was the focal point of LSU’s offense.

Reese’s leadership on the floor also showed in her ability to draw fouls, getting to the free-throw line multiple times during the game and converting efficiently. Her performance made it clear that if LSU was going to win, it would be largely because of her play in the paint.

Flau’jae Johnson: The Versatile Playmaker

Flau’jae Johnson has been one of LSU’s rising stars, known for her versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Against Vanderbilt, Johnson displayed her complete skill set, contributing not only as a scorer but also as a playmaker and defender.

Johnson finished with 18 points, but her all-around game was what made the biggest impact. She distributed five assists, showcasing her ability to create opportunities for her teammates. Whether it was a quick pass to Reese for an easy basket in the paint or a well-timed assist to an open shooter, Johnson was the catalyst for much of LSU’s offensive flow.

What set Johnson apart, though, was her defensive effort. She contributed with multiple steals, pressuring Vanderbilt’s ball handlers and creating turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. Her ability to lock down on defense while also being an offensive threat made her one of the most dangerous players on the court.

Alexis Morris: Veteran Leadership

As the senior point guard, Alexis Morris provided the leadership and stability LSU needed, especially in critical moments. Morris has been through it all—big games, close games, and high-pressure situations—and that experience showed in this matchup with Vanderbilt.

Morris was excellent in orchestrating LSU’s offense, finishing with 12 points and 7 assists. Her ability to read the defense and make quick decisions allowed LSU to stay ahead throughout the game. When Vanderbilt made runs to close the gap, it was Morris who steadied the ship with timely baskets and key assists to her teammates.

Her defensive effort was equally impressive, as she helped shut down Vanderbilt’s attempts to gain momentum by applying pressure on the perimeter and securing critical rebounds. Morris’ leadership on both ends of the floor allowed LSU to remain in control throughout the game.

2. Tactical Adjustments

Head coach Kim Mulkey’s tactical decisions also played a crucial role in LSU’s victory over Vanderbilt. Mulkey, known for her sharp basketball mind and ability to adapt, made several key adjustments throughout the game that allowed LSU to pull away.

Defensive Scheme: Neutralizing Vanderbilt’s Key Players

Vanderbilt entered the game with a solid offensive unit, including a talented guard in Rhyne Howard, who is capable of taking over a game. Mulkey’s defensive strategy was focused on neutralizing Howard, and LSU’s defense was built around denying her the ball and making it difficult for her to get into a rhythm.

The Tigers employed a combination of man-to-man defense and occasional trapping to limit Howard’s touches. When she did receive the ball, LSU defenders were quick to double-team her, forcing her into tough shots or turnovers. This strategy disrupted Vanderbilt’s offensive flow and left them scrambling to find other scoring options.

Additionally, Mulkey made sure that LSU’s defenders were active on the perimeter, contesting shots and closing out quickly on Vanderbilt’s outside shooters. The result was that Vanderbilt’s offense never fully clicked, and they were forced to rely on lower-percentage shots throughout the game.

Offensive Adjustments: Spacing and Ball Movement

On the offensive side of the ball, Mulkey adjusted LSU’s spacing to take advantage of the team’s size and skill. She used pick-and-roll plays to free up Reese and Johnson for high-percentage shots near the basket, and she emphasized ball movement to create open looks from the perimeter.

LSU’s fast pace also played a role in their success. Mulkey encouraged the team to push the ball in transition, where LSU’s athleticism and speed were too much for Vanderbilt to handle. Johnson and Morris excelled in the open court, getting easy baskets or setting up teammates for high-percentage shots. This quick tempo helped to tire out Vanderbilt’s defenders and open up opportunities for easy scoring.

3. Depth and Team Unity

LSU’s depth was another key factor in their victory. The Tigers have a well-rounded roster, and their ability to rotate players in and out of the game kept their energy levels high. While the starting five played the majority of minutes, Mulkey was able to give important rest to her key players without sacrificing the intensity of the team’s performance.

Players like Kateri Poole and Aijha Blackwell came off the bench and provided valuable minutes. Poole, in particular, was effective in spelling Morris at point guard, running the offense smoothly when needed. Blackwell contributed with key rebounds and timely scoring, adding to LSU’s overall depth.

Furthermore, LSU’s unity was evident in their unselfish style of play. The Tigers moved the ball well, making sure to find the open man and take the best shot available. This team-oriented approach allowed LSU to score efficiently while also limiting Vanderbilt’s opportunities to score in transition.

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