Kim Mulkey, LSU Advance to the Elite 8, Defeat Utah 66-63 in Sweet 16
Kim Mulkey #KimMulkey
Tigers advance to their first Elite 8 since 2008, LaDazhia Williams lifts LSU in the second half.
Kim Mulkey has done it. She’s propelled LSU to the Elite 8 in just her second season at the helm of the program after defeating Utah 66-63 in the Sweet 16.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Tigers came alive down the stretch with their backs against the wall to reach the Elite 8 for the first time since 2008.
Here are the takeaways from LSU’s Sweet 16 showdown:
The LaDazhia Williams Game, Frontcourt Prevails
Williams was special in Friday night’s Sweet 16 showdown against Utah. The Missouri transfer came alive when the Tigers needed her most, specifically in the second quarter when All-American Angel Reese went out due to foul trouble.
It was one of those nights for Williams, who couldn’t miss from midrange while constantly being in the right place at the right time for easy lay-ins. The dynamic big ended the first half with nine points before exploding in the second half. If she kept the Tigers afloat in the second quarter, her performance in the final 20 minutes propelled LSU to much needed baskets.
In the third quarter, it was LSU’s frontcourt that took over. Williams and Reese scored all 17 points for the Tigers after battling inside, getting just about anything they wanted. Despite Reese struggling with foul trouble, she ended the night with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. Her frontcourt mate, Williams, lifted the Tigers with her 24 points and 6 rebounds on 11-of-14 shooting.
Struggles Continue From Three
LSU can only do so much when the guard play is inconsistent. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Tigers were 1-of-10 from deep, simply unable to get the lid off the rim through three quarters. Come the fourth, it was much of the same. The Tigers ultimately shot 23% from deep, going 3-of-13 from beyond the arc.
For the backcourt tandem of Alexis Morris and Flau’jae Johnson, it was a night to forget. Morris ended the night 4-for-14 shooting with 15 points. The SEC Freshman of the Year, Johnson, struggled against the Utes with zero points on 0-of-7 shooting and fouling out early in the fourth quarter.
The third piece of the backcourt on Friday was Kateri Poole. Poole earned the start over Jasmine Carson once again due to her defensive presence and played her role well. Foul trouble halted aggressiveness, but on offense she did what she needed to do after totaling 8 points on an efficient 3-of-5 shooting.
Big-Time Players Make Big-Time Plays
Alexis Morris comes up when you need her. It isn’t always pretty, but the savvy veteran gets it done in the clutch. The fifth-year senior knocked down a contested three-pointer with 3:40 remaining in the game to give the Tigers an eight point lead, shifting the momentum the Tigers’ way. Need more? Morris catapulted the Tigers to a 64-63 lead after hitting two free throws to give the Tigers the lead, ultimately winning the game.
It was inevitable LSU would get a bucket from Morris when called upon, but for LaDazhia Williams to handle business down the stretch when Reese continued to cramp up proves the veteran leadership this team has. Big-time players make big-time plays.
The two are like hot and cold. Complete opposites. Morris, the outspoken, passionate leader of this team will tell you like it is. For Williams, the quiet veteran does get it done when needed. The two propelled the Tigers down the stretch to advance LSU to their first Elite 8 since 2008 where they will face Miami on Sunday.