- LSU opens NCAA Tournament with 55-point demolition of Mountain West champions
- Flau'Jae Johnson scores game-high 22 points in return from leg injury
- Aneesah Morrow posts 28th double-double despite recent foot concern
- Tigers force 19 turnovers, dominate boards 53-31 in complete performance
Kim Mulkey's third-seeded LSU squad made a resounding statement in their March Madness opener, combining offensive firepower with stifling defense to crush San Diego State 103-48. The Tigers showcased why health management remains critical in postseason play, with both Johnson and Morrow returning from injuries to deliver championship-caliber performances. LSU's 50% field goal accuracy and 55.6% three-point shooting exposed the growing talent gap between Power 5 programs and mid-major contenders.
Johnson's explosive return highlighted the importance of perimeter scoring in modern women's basketball, as the sophomore guard drained four three-pointers in her first action since March 2. Morrow's interior dominance (12 points, 12 rebounds) provided a textbook example of how SEC physicality overwhelms smaller conferences. The Tigers converted 19 Aztec turnovers into 25 points, demonstrating how defensive pressure translates to offensive success in single-elimination play.
San Diego State's Cinderella story collapsed under LSU's relentless attack, marking the second time Baton Rouge hosted a first-round exit for the Aztecs. The Mountain West champions shot just 32% from the field, underscoring the challenges mid-majors face against elite athleticism. Regional analysis shows Louisiana hosts have won 83% of NCAA Tournament games since 2015, with LSU improving to 6-0 in home March Madness contests under Mulkey.
With Florida State looming in Monday's second round, LSU's balanced scoring (five players in double figures) positions them for another deep March run. The Tigers' +32 rebound margin and 25-2 advantage in fastbreak points suggest they're peaking at the perfect time. Historical data reveals SEC teams scoring 100+ tournament points have advanced to the Final Four 67% of the time since 2010.
As the Tigers chase their third consecutive regional semifinal appearance, their dominant opener serves notice to the Spokane 1 bracket. With Johnson's perimeter artistry complementing Morrow's paint presence, LSU appears capable of replicating last season's Elite Eight success. Monday's matchup will test whether the Tigers can maintain their offensive efficiency (1.32 points per possession) against taller ACC competition.