LSU’s victory over Florida before their showdown with Dawn Staley’s South Carolina team in the top five was an important moment not only for the team’s standings but also for the broader landscape of college basketball. This victory helped solidify the Tigers’ place as a legitimate contender in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and set the stage for an intense battle with South Carolina, one of the most dominant teams in the nation at the time. The LSU-Florida game itself, along with the looming matchup against the Gamecocks, highlighted the team’s resilience, talent, and growth throughout the season. There were several key aspects of the victory against Florida that are worth examining, as well as its significance in the larger context of LSU’s season.
The Context: LSU’s Season So Far
Heading into their game against Florida, LSU’s season had been marked by impressive performances but also some inconsistent stretches. The Tigers were under the leadership of their head coach, Kim Mulkey, who had quickly established herself as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball. Mulkey’s impact was felt immediately after she took the reins in Baton Rouge. Her coaching pedigree—two NCAA championships at Baylor—had inspired high expectations, and LSU fans were excited about the direction of the program.
As the season progressed, LSU had faced a few ups and downs but had managed to stay competitive in the SEC, one of the most challenging conferences in the country. The Tigers had a solid roster, featuring star players like Angel Reese, who had quickly emerged as one of the top players in the country. Reese’s ability to dominate in the paint, both offensively and defensively, made her a focal point of LSU’s game plan. Alongside her, other key players, including Alexis Morris and Flau’jae Johnson, contributed significantly to LSU’s success.
However, before the Florida game, LSU had been in a position where it needed a statement victory. With South Carolina looming on the horizon, a win over Florida was important for several reasons: it would bolster their confidence, keep them in the conversation as a top team, and secure a strong position in the SEC standings. Florida, while not considered one of the top-tier teams in the conference, had been competitive and had shown that it could pose challenges for even the strongest teams. A win against Florida would not only help LSU build momentum but also provide them with a better understanding of what needed to be done to compete with the best.
The Game Against Florida: LSU’s Dominance
LSU’s victory against Florida was nothing short of impressive. The game showcased LSU’s ability to play both sides of the ball at a high level, with a balance between offense and defense that helped secure the win. The game was also a display of how LSU was beginning to mature as a team under Mulkey’s leadership.
Strong Defensive Effort
One of the most notable aspects of LSU’s win over Florida was their defensive prowess. The Tigers were able to stifle Florida’s offense, forcing them into difficult shots and disrupting their flow. LSU’s defense had been a key point of emphasis all season long, and in this game, the Tigers demonstrated just how effective they could be when locked in. Florida struggled to find open looks, and when they did manage to create opportunities, LSU’s defenders were quick to contest shots, often leading to turnovers or forced errors.
Angel Reese played a pivotal role in LSU’s defensive scheme. Her ability to block shots, alter others, and grab crucial rebounds made her a force on the defensive end. Reese’s presence in the paint was a constant headache for Florida’s players, who found it difficult to finish plays around the rim. Additionally, LSU’s perimeter defense was sharp, as Florida was unable to get comfortable from the outside, a strategy that had worked for them in previous games.
Offensive Efficiency
On the offensive end, LSU was equally impressive. The Tigers displayed great ball movement, patience, and execution, ensuring that they got the best possible shots. LSU’s ability to spread the floor and take advantage of mismatches was crucial in breaking down Florida’s defense. The inside-out game, which relied on both post play and perimeter shooting, kept Florida guessing and on their heels throughout the game.
Angel Reese was again a focal point on offense. She dominated the boards and was an offensive rebounding machine, getting second-chance opportunities for her team. Additionally, Reese’s ability to score in the paint opened up opportunities for her teammates. Morris and Johnson both contributed significantly to LSU’s scoring, with Morris showing off her craftiness as a guard, finding ways to get to the basket and create shots for others. Johnson, on the other hand, displayed her versatility by scoring both from the perimeter and in transition.
Another key component of LSU’s offensive success was their fast break. The Tigers were able to get out in transition and score easy buckets, which took Florida out of their defensive rhythm. LSU’s ability to capitalize on these fast breaks demonstrated their athleticism and speed, which would prove to be important as they prepared for their next challenge against South Carolina.
Rebounding and Second-Chance Points
A key element in LSU’s victory over Florida was their dominance on the boards. The Tigers controlled the glass, limiting Florida’s second-chance opportunities while securing multiple offensive rebounds for themselves. This allowed LSU to extend possessions and generate more scoring opportunities. Angel Reese’s relentless effort on the boards was a major factor in this, but the entire team’s focus on boxing out and securing rebounds helped LSU to maintain control of the game.
In many ways, LSU’s rebounding was symbolic of their overall effort in the game: determined, relentless, and committed to winning the little battles that add up over the course of 40 minutes. This focus on fundamentals was key to the victory and would be something the team could rely on in the future.
The Road Ahead: South Carolina and the Top Five Matchup
After LSU’s victory over Florida, all eyes turned to the upcoming matchup with South Carolina. This game was important not only for the SEC standings but also for LSU’s national standing. South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, was one of the top teams in the country. The Gamecocks had dominated the women’s college basketball landscape in recent years and were expected to be a heavy favorite going into the matchup. The upcoming game would give LSU a chance to prove that they were a legitimate contender for a national championship.
The victory over Florida gave LSU a confidence boost as they headed into this high-stakes contest. While LSU was not favored to win against South Carolina, the Tigers felt that they had the talent, the defensive capabilities, and the offensive firepower to make the game competitive. The team’s victory over Florida showcased how they could control a game when they executed their game plan effectively. For the Tigers, it was now a matter of carrying that momentum into the showdown with South Carolina.
The Broader Implications for LSU
The Florida victory wasn’t just about one game—it was a signal that LSU was ready to take the next step as a program. The win not only propelled them higher in the SEC standings but also demonstrated their growth throughout the season. Kim Mulkey’s leadership was evident in how the team had developed a tough, disciplined style of play, one that could compete with the best. The victory showed that LSU was not just a team built around individual talent but also a team that played together, with chemistry, trust, and unity.
Additionally, the win over Florida was a reminder that LSU’s success was about more than just one player. While Angel Reese had emerged as the star of the team, players like Alexis Morris and Flau’jae Johnson had become invaluable contributors. The depth of LSU’s roster was a key strength, and it was something that would be crucial as they prepared for the tough road ahead, particularly against South Carolina.
