LSU Women's Basketball pulls away with another win over Missouri, 66-64

Photo By: LSU/SEC

1/19/2021
By: Brittney Achord
Da Boot Sports!




   COLUMBIA, Mo.: It was a “down to the last second” kind of game once again as the Lady Tigers clawed their way to a victory over Missouri on Monday night, 66-64.  The Lady Tigers seem to be finding their rhythm more and more with each game.  It showed defensively tonight as LSU held the Missouri Tigers to only 8 points in the first quarter, something no other opponent has been able to do this season.  

   Once again, Khayla Pointer put up tremendous numbers scoring 22 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.  Pointer is having a senior season to remember.

   Tiara Young continued to shine with 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.  This hometown girl is moving mountains for this Lady Tiger basketball team.

   Faustine Aifuwa had an outstanding night with 12 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and two steals.  Aifuwa’s 6’5" stature and dynamic energy is no match for any opponent. 

   Seniors Awa Trasi and Karli Seay also played ferociously tonight for the Lady Tigers.  Trasi added to the night with nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Seay also contributed to the Lady Tigers with seven points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

   Overall the LSU Lady Tigers shot well, shooting 47.8% from the floor, an improved and impressive 57.1% from 3-point range, but struggled from the free throw line, shooting only 62.1% there..

   Here is the 'Da Boot Sports' Game Break Down:


          1st HALF:

   LSU would come out of the gate knocking the Mizzou Lady Tigers off their feet, not allowing them to find their rhythm the entire first half.  While Mizzou would be the first to put points on the board, LSU would quickly answer with a 7-0 run. Faustine Aifuwa would start it off with a layup, ending with a beautiful 3-point jumper by Khayla Pointer that would put the Lady Tigers in the lead 9-2 with 4:00 left in the first. Awa Trasi’s intensity started early tonight with a steal, storming down the court, scoring with a layup bringing the Lady Tigers to 13-6 with 1:44 left in the first period.  Even though Mizzou answered back with a layup to end the first quarter, LSU would hold their lead 13-8.

   Tiara Young would quickly put four points on the board in the second quarter giving LSU a 9-point lead.  2-2 free throws by Karli Seay, and a steal by Pointer allowing back-to-back layups by Aifuwa, continued to extend the Lady Tiger lead over Mizzou, 23-11. While Mizzou answered back with nine more points to end the half, it was no match for this LSU Women’s Basketball Team's relentlessness.  LSU would end the half with a Pointer 3-pointer, giving the Tigers a 28-20 lead at the break.



          2nd HALF:

    Both Tiger teams would combat for control of the ball coming out of the half.  With 3:18 left in the 3rd, Pointer would score on a layup starting a 7-0 run for the LSU.  After getting fouled, Awa Trasi would score at the free throw line giving LSU a 14 point lead, 48-34. This go around Khayla Pointer loved to see the three pointer from Karli Seay with 3 seconds left in the third period, that would put the LSU Lady Tigers ahead 52-37 going into the fourth and final quarter.

   Mizzou would start things off with a made layup, however the Lady Tigers would answer right back. Aifuwa’s second chance layup not only extended the LSU Tiger lead 54-38, it also gave them the largest lead of the night at 16 points. Mizzou would answer back with a 6-0 run, four points coming off free throws putting LSU in foul trouble. LSU would continue to lose their rhythm and begin to struggle allowing Mizzou to close the gap to within one, 58-57, with 2:37 left in the game. Mizzou would put themselves in foul trouble sending Young and Pointer to the free throw line, allowing LSU to stretch the lead to 64-59. While Mizzou outscored LSU in the fourth 27-14, LSU Lady Tigers held tight to their victory 66-64.


   This gives LSU their second consecutive SEC win bringing them to 6-6 on the season, and 4-2 in the conference.  While there is still room for improvement, the Lady Tigers are making a statement each game that they will not back down, they will not give in, they will persevere and press on game-by-game, taking down one opponent at a time.

   Up next, the LSU Women’s basketball team takes on No. 4 South Carolina in the PMAC, Sunday, January 24th at 12:00 pm CST.  This showdown will be aired on the SEC Network. You can also listen to the Voice of the Lady Tigers, Patrick Wright, broadcasting on 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge.