LSU women’s hoops takeaways: Unpacking the five games before clash with South Carolina

LSU Women’s Basketball: Takeaways from the Five Games Leading up to the Showdown with South Carolina

As the LSU women’s basketball team prepares for its highly anticipated matchup with South Carolina, the last five games have given fans and analysts alike plenty of material to assess the team’s form, strengths, and areas that require attention. After a series of high-profile wins, LSU is making strides toward solidifying its standing in the SEC and the national picture. Let’s break down the key takeaways from these five games, focusing on what LSU has done well, what challenges remain, and how they can stack up against South Carolina.

1. Consistency from Angel Reese

One of the most striking features of LSU’s play over the last five games has been the consistent dominance of Angel Reese, the reigning SEC Player of the Year. Reese continues to be a force on both ends of the floor, leading the team in points and rebounds, and she has solidified her reputation as one of the best forwards in the country.

Key Takeaways:

• Offensive Powerhouse: Reese has showcased an ability to score from various spots on the floor. Her inside game is nearly unstoppable, with an array of post moves, hooks, and putbacks that overwhelm defenders. She’s also expanded her range, hitting mid-range jumpers and stretching the floor a bit more than in previous seasons.
• Rebounding: Her tenacity on the glass remains one of the most impressive aspects of her game. Reese has been an elite offensive and defensive rebounder, ensuring LSU maintains possession and limits second-chance opportunities for opponents.
• Key Impact Player: In crucial moments, she’s been the player LSU leans on to carry them over the line. Against both ranked and unranked teams, Reese’s composure and scoring ability in clutch situations have proven invaluable.

What Needs Improvement:

Despite her dominance, Reese occasionally struggles with foul trouble. When she’s on the bench, LSU’s interior defense and scoring take a noticeable dip. Maintaining her discipline, especially against physical teams like South Carolina, will be key to their success in big games.

2. The Emerging Role of Flau’jae Johnson

Flau’jae Johnson has taken significant steps in her development over the past month, particularly in terms of scoring and providing secondary playmaking. Known for her athleticism and defensive prowess, Johnson has become more involved in the offense, contributing both as a scorer and facilitator.

Key Takeaways:

• Offensive Growth: Johnson’s scoring has become more consistent, with her ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact being an integral part of LSU’s offensive strategy. She has also shown flashes of being a reliable three-point shooter, which adds another dimension to her game.
• Defense and Leadership: Johnson’s ability to guard multiple positions gives LSU versatility defensively, especially in matchups where opposing teams have dynamic players who can shoot from the perimeter. Her leadership has been important in close games, helping to steady the team during stretches of uncertainty.

What Needs Improvement:

Though Johnson’s offensive game has expanded, she still has room to grow as a shooter. She is sometimes prone to taking contested shots, and improving her decision-making on offense will help LSU become a more efficient team. Additionally, her ball-handling under pressure can be inconsistent at times, which might become an issue against aggressive defenses like South Carolina’s.

3. Depth and Rotation Considerations

One of the hallmarks of LSU’s team this season has been the depth of its roster. Coach Kim Mulkey has had the luxury of rotating several players into games, each contributing in various ways. However, this depth can sometimes be a double-edged sword, as the team’s rhythm can be disrupted when too many substitutions are made in crucial moments.

Key Takeaways:

• Support from the Bench: Players like Alexis Morris, LaDazhia Williams, and others have provided valuable minutes off the bench, whether it’s scoring, defense, or energy. LSU has been able to stay fresh throughout games, which is a luxury many teams don’t have.
• Balanced Scoring: Having multiple players capable of scoring at a high level has alleviated some of the pressure on Reese and Johnson to carry the offense every night. This balance allows LSU to attack from different angles and makes them harder to defend against.

What Needs Improvement:

While the depth is an asset, LSU has occasionally struggled to maintain consistency when rotating players. In games where there are frequent substitutions, the team sometimes loses its rhythm, especially offensively. Finding the right balance of playing time, especially in tight contests, will be essential for LSU moving forward.

4. Improvement in Defensive Cohesion

Defensively, LSU has taken significant steps forward in recent games, particularly with their ability to lock down on opposing shooters and disrupt passing lanes. The team’s commitment to defense has been a major factor in their victories, as they’ve shown the ability to turn defense into offense through fast breaks and forced turnovers.

Key Takeaways:

• Defensive Intensity: LSU’s defense has been suffocating, especially in terms of defending the perimeter. Players like Johnson and Morris have been critical in guarding opposing wing players, while Reese anchors the paint, making it difficult for teams to score easily inside.
• Turnover Creation: LSU has been adept at forcing turnovers, leading to fast-break opportunities. Their ability to apply pressure and trap opposing ball handlers has allowed them to create easy scoring chances.

What Needs Improvement:

While the defense has been solid overall, LSU occasionally struggles with defending without fouling. Against physical teams like South Carolina, avoiding foul trouble will be critical, as their opponents can exploit free-throw opportunities if LSU gets into foul trouble early. Additionally, LSU’s defense has sometimes allowed stretches of poor communication, leading to wide-open shots from deep.

5. Close Game Experience and Mental Toughness

LSU has faced several close contests in the lead-up to their South Carolina clash. The ability to win tight games has been a hallmark of their season so far, and it’s clear that the team is learning how to handle pressure situations.

Key Takeaways:

• Clutch Playmaking: Whether it’s Angel Reese in the post, Flau’jae Johnson driving to the basket, or Alexis Morris hitting big shots, LSU has shown an ability to perform in clutch moments. Their ability to execute in the final minutes of games has been a major positive.
• Composure: LSU has maintained its composure in high-pressure moments, especially in games where momentum shifted in the second half. They’ve been able to stick to the game plan and rely on their defensive intensity to seal victories.

What Needs Improvement:

While LSU has been able to pull out wins in close games, they can be prone to lapses in execution in crunch time. In particular, they’ll need to sharpen their late-game offense, ensuring that they don’t settle for low-percentage shots or turnovers in the final possessions.

6. Preparation for South Carolina

As LSU turns its focus toward South Carolina, it’s clear that the upcoming matchup will be a significant test of their growth as a team. South Carolina is a powerhouse, led by reigning national player of the year Aliyah Boston, and they present challenges on both ends of the floor.

Key Areas for LSU to Focus On:

• Rebounding Battle: South Carolina is one of the best rebounding teams in the country, and LSU will need to match their intensity on the boards to avoid giving up second-chance points.
• Defending Aliyah Boston: Boston is a player who can dominate in the paint, and Reese will be tasked with matching her physicality. LSU will need to double-team her at times and rotate effectively to prevent her from taking over the game.
• Staying Composed: South Carolina’s defense is stifling, and LSU will need to stay patient, not forcing up bad shots, and play smart basketball. Poise will be a critical factor in this game, particularly when faced with the intense atmosphere of a South Carolina home crowd or a high-stakes rivalry.