Angel Reese showcased her resilience and determination as she led the Tigers with an impressive 26 points during her homecoming in Baltimore. In the sold-out PEC Arena, No. 7 LSU exhibited their grit, securing an 80-48 victory over Coppin State on Wednesday night.
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| Grit of a Tiger |
Coach Mulkey acknowledged the visible impact of Reese, the national championship, and the team's style of play on the sold-out arena. This historic occasion marked the first time a defending women's NCAA DI National Champion played at a historically black college, showcasing the team's collective determination and grit, as noted by ESPN Stats & Info.
Reese's on-court performance was a testament to her resilience, scoring 26 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and achieving a career-high 5 steals. The sold-out crowd of 4,100 witnessed not only a triumphant return to Baltimore but also a demonstration of the grit and determination that has become synonymous with Reese's playing style.
Last-Tear Poa, operating efficiently at the point guard position, exhibited grit by delivering a career-high 8 assists with no turnovers. Aneesah Morrow continued to showcase her determination with a seventh consecutive double-double, contributing 13 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 4 steals.
Flau’Jae Johnson, in her third consecutive game scoring in double figures, exemplified grit with 18 points. The team's overall performance demonstrated their determination, dominating the paint with a 48-26 rebound advantage and securing 52 points inside.
The Tigers, fueled by their collective grit, established control early with a 17-3 run, maintaining their dominance with a 47.8% field goal percentage compared to Coppin State's 34%. LSU capitalized on their determination, securing a 48-26 rebound advantage, and scoring 26 points off 22 forced turnovers.
Despite a brief challenge in the second quarter, LSU's grit shone through as they headed into halftime with a 40-26 lead. The third quarter saw a 30-point lead, with Johnson leading a 7-0 run to start the quarter. The Tigers closed out the game with an 80-48 victory, holding Coppin State scoreless in the final three minutes.
Notably, sharpshooter Tiffany Hammond led Coppin State with 21 points, primarily from three-pointers, but LSU's collective determination and grit ensured a convincing win. As the team takes a break for the holidays, the focus remains on growing their grit and determination, preparing for the challenges ahead, with the next game against Jacksonville on December 30 before entering SEC play in the new year. Way to go LADY TIGERS!
