This LSU vs. UCLA clash has a lot of surface drama — Kim Mulkey has generated headlines of late, and Angel Reese is one of the sport’s most magnetic and talked-about stars. But the big trends overshadow other exciting storylines, not to mention that this may emerge as the best game of the tournament so far (and possibly for its entirety).
For instance, LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson averages 14.4 points per game, shoots 38.1 percent from 3, was on “America’s Got Talent” at age 14, and has a collaboration with Lil’ Wayne on the horizon. UCLA center Lauren Betts is a 6-foot-7 transfer from Stanford who was ESPN’s No. 1 ranked recruit in 2022. She averages nearly a double-double (and has four in her last five games), is fifth in the nation in FG% and she’s signed to a modeling agency that only features women 6-foot-4 or taller.
And there is more. A lot more. We didn’t even get to Kiki Rice yet!! This game is, as noted below, “appointment viewing.” Let’s dive in!
Ben Pickman’s keys to the game
Which team will create extra possessions?
LSU and UCLA are two of the best teams in the nation on the glass. The Bruins are currently in the 99th percentile of offensive rebound percentage, according to CBB Analytics, retrieving their misses 41.5 percent of the time….
