That was an amazing game, such a battle and so much energy on both sides.
Going through the main players:
LSU:
Hailey Van Lith cost LSU dearly tonight, though I was happy for her to make a huge three down the stretch. Just poor decision making skills and didn't look particularly comfortable running the show. If she can find some rhythm and make better decisions, LSU is a legitimate title contender. They just need more consistency from her. The loss of Poole is huge since Kateri was solid in the PG role and Hailey Van Lith just doesn't look comfortable.
Reese was great on both ends but her last foul was extremely costly. In her defense, I thought the 4th foul on her was ridiculous. Much better showing this year vs. SC than last year. I also loved seeing (and hearing) how supportive she was to her teammates. I'm sure she'll be ready for a potential rematch in the SEC Championship.
Morrow also had a great first half and got an awful 2nd foul call against her that put her on the bench in the first. Felt like SC got the calls tonight, but SC made plays down the stretch and deserved the win. Anyway, Morrow is a great player. Her 3 ball looks smooth too.
Del Rosario is a work in progress but did a really nice job in limited minutes. Big ask of her to take on Cardoso and I thought she defended her well in the early part of her playing time.
Mikaylah Williams had some tough shots that didn't fall, she needs to improve shot selection but sky is the limit for her. I think LSU should post her up more since she has size and she looks so good shooting midrange fadeaways. She's going to be great.
Flaujae was quiet but good in moments. Would've liked to see her more aggressive offensively.
For SC:
Bree Hall didn't have a noticeably big game but came through BIG down the stretch. 2 money threes that created the difference.
Raven Johnson was SOLID on both ends. Make 1-2 dumb TOs but thought her defense was good and she was very good at finishing when she took the ball to the rim. Good night for her.
Fulwiley was electric. I wish Dawn unleashed her more, she turned around the first half for SC and the energy on the court just increases.
Cardoso was a beast once she woke up in the 2nd. She had some brilliant footwork offensively and came up big in the 2nd half. Needs to get going earlier though and demand the ball.
Kitts was quite good in the first half. FTs were rough but a really good showing for her. In games I've seen it looks like a common trend where she starts out strong and then fades as the game unfolds. I don't know if it's her fading as much as she just plays with a lot of energy from the get go and it takes others to get going? Curious to hear if any SC fans have noticed this too.
Pao Pao was forcing her shot a bit and then let it come to her at the end. Good decision making down the stretch.
Watkins didn't have a good night. Picked up quick fouls. She'll need to play smarter vs. UCONN if Cardoso is out.
Overall, what a great game for women's basketball! Packed house, some great play from both teams and players made big plays down the stretch. Can't ask for much more.