This trend continued in the second half. Although LSU displayed one of the worst shooting games of its season, the Tigers defense stifled Miami even further, and LSU won, 54-42, to advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2008.
Reese, who was named the Greenville District 2 Most Valuable Player, produced her 32nd double-double of the season, filling the net with 13 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. The Tigers led by 21 points through Alexis Morris, who kept their lead in an error-filled first half. On Friday in Dallas, LSU will play the winner of Monday’s game between top seed Virginia Tech and third seed Ohio State.
“I’m the comeback kid,” said Morris, a sophomore who played for Rutgers, Baylor and Texas A&M. “I beat it. I beat the odds,” added Morris, who was wearing a basketball net she just snapped around her neck and a Final Four cap.
As confetti fell and players cut through the net, they gathered in a circle and danced in the middle zone, with Coach Kim Mulkey giving her best version of the game. Folk dance. By the end of the celebration, it was Mulky Walk around the square barefoot.
“I want to put up a championship banner there someday,” said Mulkey, a native of Louisiana, adding, “South Carolina, I’ve said it from day one, an incredible team and should win everything. But I definitely would love to be in that championship with them.” .
Mulkey came to LSU two seasons ago after 21 seasons and three championships at Baylor. The Tigers started this season with a largely new roster, adding nine players. Morris was the only returning starter.
“We don’t have to win a championship to see how much they love us,” Mulkey said of LSU’s fan base. “I think they’re going ‘What are we going to do in year two?'” are you kidding me?'”
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