By Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant and The Athletic Staff
No. 3 seed LSU is headed to the national championship after its 79-72 win over No. 1 seed Virginia Tech in the Women’s Final Four on Friday. Here’s what you need to know:
- It is LSU’s first national championship appearance in program history.
- After being down 59-50 entering the fourth quarter, the Tigers outscored the Hokies 29-13 to seal the comeback victory.
- Tigers forward Angel Reese recorded her 33rd double-double of the season — tied for the most in Division I history — posting 24 points and 12 rebounds.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What went right for LSU?
In a game of runs, the Tigers were the team that went on the last run and their defense clamped down at the right time. LSU absolutely exploded in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Hokies 29-13, but they did so by denying Elizabeth Kitley touches, hitting the glass hard and getting into the paint. LSU, a team that really plays off its own momentum, had a few scores — like a Flau’jae Johnson steal and score — that really energized the team and that fed into some offensive flow for the Tigers. — Jennings
Flau’jae Johnson rocks
this game rocks
LSU’s defense is on demon time pic.twitter.com/6YmJtmbeuf
— Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler)
