LSU Prevails Over UCLA in Sweet 16
Albany, N.Y. – In an intense matchup, Flau’jae Johnson’s impressive performance with 24 points and 12 rebounds, combined with Angel Reese’s 26th double-double of the season, led LSU to a 78-69 victory over UCLA in the Sweet 16 round on Saturday. The win propels LSU further into the tournament as they strive for a second consecutive national title.
Reese contributed significantly with 16 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out late in the game for the Tigers, who finished strong with a 14-2 run. Aneesah Morrow chipped in with 17 points, while Mikaylah Williams added 12 to solidify LSU’s victory.
Advancing to the Elite Eight, LSU sets its sights on a matchup against either Iowa or Colorado in Monday night’s regional final.
On the UCLA side, Lauren Betts showcased a strong performance with 14 points and 17 rebounds, as the Bruins ended their season with a record of 27-7. Londynn Jones and Gabriela Jaquez also contributed 14 points each, with Kiki Rice adding 13 for UCLA.
At halftime, LSU held a seven-point lead which was quickly challenged by UCLA’s strong offensive play. Despite the Bruins’ 3-point shooting struggles early on, they managed to make a comeback with a series of successful shots in the second half.
Following a tie game heading into the fourth quarter, LSU rallied to take control with an impressive run, ultimately securing the victory over UCLA.
Kim Mulkey, the LSU head coach, made headlines with her off-court antics including threats of legal action over an anticipated news story. The Washington Post eventually published a profile on Mulkey, shedding light on both the positive and negative aspects of her career while emphasizing her colorful personality and unique style.
BIG PICTURE
LSU: With their eyes set on becoming the first repeat champion since 2016, the Tigers exhibit resilience and skill as they push forward in the tournament.
UCLA: While the Bruins have a rich history in NCAA Tournaments and have frequently reached the Sweet 16 stage, advancing to regional finals remains a challenging feat, with their dreams cut short in this year’s tournament.
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