The final score gives an indication it was an easy 83-56 win over Middle Tennessee in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. But the Lady Raiders were up 41-32 early in the second half when they attempted a three-pointer to put them up by 12.
The shot was missed by Middle Tennessee’s Jaylnn Gregory, and LSU’s Angel Reese scored on the other end in transition and the Lady Tigers took off from there.
“I thought our effort in the second half wore them down, even when they got good looks they didn’t make them,” said Mulkey.
That effort started with Reese making more shots. Reese, who only scored ten points in the first-round win over Rice, was having another tough game offensively on Sunday.
Mulkey’s message to Reese was simple, “I need you.”
“Me and Coach have that kind of relationship where she can get on me and talk to me, I need you and give me that encouragement I need,” said Reese.
Reese scored 14 points in the second half and finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Flau’jae Johnson led the way with 21 points, Aneesha Morrow had 19 points and 13 rebounds and Mikayla Williams knocked down a couple of three-pointers in the second half and finished with 16.
The crowd was also a factor in the second half. It was loud in the PMAC, so much so the players had trouble communicating.
It was likely Reese’s final game at LSU and she’ll miss that environment.
“It was so much fun, I wish we could take this crowd wherever we go, but I know they’ll be in Albany and hope to see everyone in Albany,” said Reese.
LSU will play on Saturday afternoon in the Sweet 16 rebound. The Lady Tigers will play either UCLA or Creighton in Albany, New York.