Scott Rabalais: ‘The Show’ Bids Farewell at PMAC vs. Texas Tech
LSU’s women dismantled Jacksonville in the NCAA first round at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The Tigers won 116-58, a dominant performance that set multiple program records.
Record night and team identity
The victory set LSU marks for points and margin of victory in a tournament game. The Tigers also recorded 18 steals, another tournament program record.
The team posted its 15th 100-point game this season. That ties the NCAA Division I mark set by Long Beach State in 1987.
Players Jada Richard and ZaKiyah Johnson described the squad as “The Show.” Their basketball is marked by quick hands, crisp passing and lively celebrations.
Where the season stands
LSU enters the second round with a 28-5 record. The team is the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Sacramento 2 regional.
They head into Sunday’s matchup with No. 7 Texas Tech at 2 p.m. on ABC. LSU was listed just shy of a 25-point favorite.
Sweet 16 goals
Coach Kim Mulkey has led LSU since leaving Baylor five years ago. The Tigers seek the program’s 17th Sweet 16 appearance and a fourth straight under Mulkey.
Final home appearance at the PMAC
Sunday will be LSU’s last game this season at the PMAC. Senior Flau’jae Johnson will play her final home game as a Tiger.
Mulkey said Johnson deserves a sellout crowd. NCAA seating rules, including guaranteed visiting sections, have altered the lower bowl layout.
Contrast with Texas Tech
The matchup presents a clear stylistic contrast. LSU scores at a blistering pace, averaging 95.1 points per game this season.
Texas Tech relies on defense and tempo control. The Lady Raiders score 71.5 points per game and allow just 57.9.
Tech defeated Villanova 57-52 in the first round. That game combined for fewer points than LSU scored alone on Friday.
Coaching perspectives
Krista Gerlich, Texas Tech coach, played on the Lady Raiders’ 1993 national title team. She vows to keep pressuring and disrupting opponents.
Gerlich acknowledged the difficulty of slowing LSU’s athletic attack. Her team has won 26 games this season.
Coverage noted this matchup in pieces such as Scott Rabalais: ‘The Show’ Bids Farewell at PMAC vs. Texas Tech. Filmogaz.com will continue coverage as the tournament progresses.
