LSU’s Dynamic Duo Dominates in NCAA Tournament Opener, Defeating San Diego State in Decisive Victory
BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU Tigers, ranked No. 3 nationally, launched their NCAA Tournament campaign with a resounding 103-48 victory over the No. 14 San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday night, showcasing the undeniable talent and resilience of stars Flau’Jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow. Any lingering doubts about their fitness were emphatically silenced as the duo led the charge, displaying a dominant performance that propelled LSU into the second round.
Pre-game chatter had centered around the health status of Johnson and Morrow, both of whom had battled injuries towards the end of the regular season and into the SEC tournament. Morrow, ever confident, had foreshadowed her impact, stating the day before the game, “I would say honestly a lot of people see me in a boot, and I go out, and I get a double-double.”
Morrow not only met but exceeded expectations, delivering a signature performance with 12 points and 12 rebounds. This marked her nation-leading 28th double-double of the season, solidifying her position as one of the most dominant rebounders and interior players in college basketball. Her presence on the boards and relentless pursuit of loose balls were instrumental in LSU’s control of the game’s tempo and possession.
Johnson, the team’s leading scorer, further ignited the Tigers’ offense, contributing a game-high 22 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting from the field. This performance also marked a significant milestone in her collegiate career, pushing her past the 1,500-point mark. Her speed, agility, and ability to create scoring opportunities both in transition and in the half-court set posed a constant threat to the San Diego State defense.
Beyond their statistical contributions, Johnson and Morrow brought an undeniable energy and passion to the court. Their synergy was evident on both ends of the floor, with their defensive intensity sparking fast breaks and their offensive creativity keeping the Aztecs scrambling.
Early in the first quarter, Johnson punctuated a steal with a driving layup, immediately turning to the roaring crowd and emphatically pounding her chest while jumping, igniting the already charged atmosphere in the arena. The gesture was a clear statement of intent, signaling that the Tigers were ready to compete and dominate.
Morrow followed suit later in the first quarter, banking in a jumper and blowing a kiss to the enthusiastic crowd, further fueling the excitement. The fans responded with an eruption of cheers, recognizing the star power and dedication of their team. These moments of connection between the players and the fans underscored the strong bond and shared enthusiasm that permeated the LSU program.
As the game progressed, the duo continued to exert their influence. Johnson concluded the third quarter with another layup off a fast break, again acknowledging the crowd with raised hands and a grateful smile, receiving another wave of booming cheers. The constant interaction with the crowd emphasized the team’s appreciation for the unwavering support of the LSU faithful.
The injuries that had sidelined Johnson and hampered Morrow in recent weeks were a major storyline leading up to the tournament. Johnson had been sidelined with lingering shin inflammation in her right leg, forcing her to miss action since the Tigers’ February 27th loss to Alabama. Morrow, meanwhile, had re-aggravated a left foot sprain during the third quarter of LSU’s second-round loss to Texas in the SEC tournament.
Despite these setbacks, both players demonstrated incredible dedication to their recovery. They were seen sporting the Nike x Hyperice boot while speaking with reporters on Friday, underscoring their commitment to utilizing every resource available to maximize their healing and preparation. This commitment to recovery and preparation reflected their professionalism and dedication to the team’s success.
The significance of Johnson and Morrow to the LSU team is undeniable. Earlier in the week, both players received prestigious recognition as second- and third-team AP All-Americans, respectively, further highlighting their individual achievements and their impact on the national stage. The statistics clearly demonstrate their value to the team; in games where both Johnson and Morrow have started, the Tigers boast an impressive 26-3 record.
The victory over San Diego State propels the Tigers into the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they are set to face No. 6 Florida State. The game is scheduled for Monday, March 24th, and promises to be a highly competitive matchup. The Tigers will need to maintain their intensity and capitalize on the momentum gained from their dominant first-round performance to advance further in the tournament.
The performance of Johnson and Morrow in the first round serves as a testament to their talent, resilience, and dedication. Their ability to overcome injuries and deliver dominant performances under pressure demonstrates their exceptional character and leadership qualities. As the Tigers move forward in the tournament, their continued contributions will be crucial to the team’s success. The LSU faithful will be eagerly anticipating their next performance, hoping to witness more of the magic and excitement that Johnson and Morrow bring to the court.
The Tigers’ strong showing in the first round sends a clear message to the rest of the tournament field: LSU is a force to be reckoned with. With their dynamic duo leading the charge and a deep and talented roster supporting them, the Tigers have the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and compete for a national championship. The journey continues, and the LSU faithful are ready to cheer their team on every step of the way.
