LSU vs. Virginia Tech - 2023 NCAA women’s Final Four | FULL REPLAY
TLDRIn a thrilling match, LSU secured a historic spot in the national championship game for the first time in program history, defeating Virginia Tech 79-72. The game saw an exceptional performance from LSU's Angel Reese and Alexis Morris, who led the team with a dynamic fourth-quarter comeback. Despite Virginia Tech's strong start and strategic adjustments, LSU's aggressive defense and relentless offensive rebounding turned the tide, marking a significant achievement for a team that began the season with nine new players.
Takeaways
- 🏀 The LSU women's basketball team secured a historic victory, advancing to their first-ever national championship game.
- 🌟 Alexis Morris and Angel Reese were standout performers for LSU, leading the team with their exceptional gameplay and scoring abilities.
- 📈 Virginia Tech demonstrated a strong start and maintained a lead for a significant part of the game, but LSU's fourth-quarter comeback was pivotal.
- 🔥 LSU's defensive strategy and offensive rebounding were key factors in their comeback, as they managed to turn the game around in the final quarter.
- 🎯 Alexis Morris showcased her ability to make tough shots and her leadership as a senior player, stepping up when her team needed her the most.
- 🏆 The game marked the end of an impressive season for Virginia Tech, who exceeded expectations and brought their program to new heights.
- 👏 Kenny Brooks, the coach of Virginia Tech, and his team should be commended for their sportsmanship and the positive impact they've made on the tournament.
- 📊 The statistics of the game highlighted the importance of free throw attempts and offensive rebounds, with LSU outperforming Virginia Tech in these areas.
- 🌐 The LSU fanbase was notably present and supportive during the game, contributing to the atmosphere and celebrating their team's victory.
- 🎥 The game was broadcasted on ESPN, with the LSU vs. Virginia Tech matchup preceding the Iowa vs. South Carolina game in the tournament.
- 🏆 The LSU team, led by Coach Mulkey, has now set their sights on the national championship game, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, with the team and its supporters eagerly anticipating their performance.
Q & A
Which team won the tip-off at the beginning of the game?
-LSU won the tip-off at the start of the game.
Who was responsible for the defensive assignment on Angel Reese?
-Taylor Soul was given the defensive assignment on Angel Reese.
What was Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks' concern regarding his team's performance?
-Kenny Brooks was concerned about Virginia Tech's offensive rebounding.
How did LSU establish their identity in the game?
-LSU established their identity through offensive rebounding, particularly with players like Angel Reese.
Which player had a significant impact on the game with their shooting and scoring abilities?
-Alexis Morris had a significant impact on the game with her shooting and scoring, leading LSU with 25 points.
What was the critical strategy that Virginia Tech employed in the second half?
-Virginia Tech switched to a 2-3 zone defense in the second half, which helped them mount a comeback.
Who was the main offensive threat for Virginia Tech?
-Liz Kitley was the main offensive threat for Virginia Tech, scoring 16 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.
What was the final score of the game between LSU and Virginia Tech?
-The final score was LSU 79, Virginia Tech 72.
Which player set a new NCAA tournament record for most three-pointers made?
-Georgia Amor set a new NCAA tournament record for most three-pointers made with 23.
What was the key factor that fueled LSU's comeback in the fourth quarter?
-LSU's comeback in the fourth quarter was fueled by their defense, which led to easy scoring opportunities, and their dominance on the offensive glass.
What was the significance of this game for LSU's history?
-This game marked the first time in LSU's program history that they advanced to the national championship game.
Outlines
🏀 Game Intensity and Team Strategies
The paragraph discusses the high-intensity gameplay in the 2023 final four with LSU winning the tip-off. It highlights the defensive assignment of Taylor Soul on Angel Reese and the initial offensive performance of LSU, particularly their concern for offensive rebounding. It also notes the excitement of the game with an early surprise play and the teams' shooting strategies, emphasizing LSU's identity with offensive glass play and Angel Reese's knack for it. The summary also mentions the coaching strategies of Kim Mulkey and Kenny Brooks, as well as the impact of new players for LSU.
🏀 Alexis Morris' Impact and Virginia Tech's Response
This paragraph focuses on the significant role of Alexis Morris in LSU's gameplay, her offensive capabilities, and her history with previous teams. It also discusses the tactical response of Virginia Tech, particularly their use of a 2-3 zone defense and the importance of their experienced player rotation. The summary highlights the offensive and defensive rebounds of Virginia Tech, the team's shooting performance, and the individual contributions of players like Liz Kitley and Kayana Trailer.
🏀 LSU's Defensive Tactics and Virginia Tech's Offensive Shift
The paragraph describes LSU's defensive tactics, especially their focus on preventing Angel Reese from accessing the offensive glass. It also details Virginia Tech's offensive shift, including their attempt to exploit LSU's defense through high ball screens and the performance of players like Alexis Morris. The summary emphasizes the importance of free throw attempts for LSU and the contrasting play styles of the two teams, with LSU focusing on free throw line opportunities and Virginia Tech known for three-point shots.
🏀 LSU's Continued Dominance and Virginia Tech's Fight
This section discusses LSU's continued dominance in the game, particularly their offensive strategies and the performance of key players like Angel Reese and Alexis Morris. It also highlights Virginia Tech's fight, with players like Liz Kitley stepping up and the team's adjustment to a 2-3 zone defense. The summary notes the importance of the presence of Taylor's soul on the bench due to foul trouble and the impact of Virginia Tech's zone strategy on LSU's offensive flow.
🏀 Virginia Tech's Surge and LSU's Response
The paragraph details Virginia Tech's 11-0 run and their surge in the game, with key contributions from players like Kayana Trailer and Liz Kitley. It also discusses LSU's response, with Alexis Morris stepping up to provide offensive firepower and the team's overall defensive strategy. The summary emphasizes the importance of rebounding, particularly for Virginia Tech, and the individual performances of key players on both teams.
🏀 The Climax and Final Moments
This section describes the climax of the game, with Virginia Tech trailing and LSU's strong finish. It highlights the critical moments, including the performance of key players like Angel Reese and Alexis Morris, and the strategic decisions made by both teams. The summary emphasizes LSU's journey to their first national championship game, the impact of the players, and the emotional culmination of the season for both teams.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Defensive Assignment
💡Offensive Rebounding
💡Transition
💡Pick and Roll
💡Foul Trouble
💡Zone Defense
💡Final Four
💡Offensive Glass
💡Turnovers
💡Free Throw Line
Highlights
LSU wins the tip-off, starting the game with an aggressive stance.
Taylor Soule is tasked with the defensive assignment on Angel Reese, a key matchup in the game.
Amor Smith's offensive rebounding is a concern for Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks.
LSU's first offensive possession showcases their identity with strong offensive rebounding.
Georgia Amore's early game performance is crucial, as she averages 24 points per game during the tournament.
Alexis Morris demonstrates her explosiveness and offensive prowess for LSU.
Taylor Soule's importance in the game is highlighted by her defensive role against Angel Reese.
Virginia Tech's offensive strategy involves utilizing Liz Kitley's shooting ability.
Angel Reese's knack for getting to the glass is a significant factor in LSU's success.
LSU's transition game is a strength, and they capitalize on Virginia Tech's turnovers.
Kiana Travis's versatility for Virginia Tech is on display, as she contributes in multiple aspects of the game.
Amor Smith's three-point shooting ability is a key factor for Virginia Tech's offensive game plan.
LSU's defensive strategy involves double-teaming Angel Reese to limit her impact on the game.
Virginia Tech's experience and senior-laden roster are expected to be an advantage, despite their lack of experience on the national stage.
LSU's free throw line dominance is a significant factor in their game strategy, as they lead the nation in free throw attempts per game.
The game within the game involves the battle between LSU's offensive rebounding and Virginia Tech's three-point shooting.
LSU's bench depth is tested as Jasmine Carson and other reserves step up to contribute.
Virginia Tech's defensive adjustments, including a 2-3 zone, aim to counter LSU's offensive strengths.
The game's momentum swings with an 11-0 run by Virginia Tech, showcasing their resilience.
LSU's comeback in the fourth quarter is fueled by their aggressive play and ability to convert offensive rebounds into points.
Alexis Morris and Angel Reese lead LSU with their inside-out game, proving to be a formidable combination for opponents.