LSU Tigers Face UCLA in Elite Eight Showdown

SPOKANE, Wash. — The LSU Tigers have advanced to the Elite Eight for the third consecutive season after a thrilling 80-73 victory over NC State in the Sweet 16 on Friday night at Spokane Arena. The Tigers, boasting a 31-5 record, will face UCLA on Sunday at 2 p.m. CT on ABC in a crucial matchup for their Women’s Final Four aspirations.

Star forward Aneesah Morrow led LSU with an impressive performance, scoring 30 points and securing 19 rebounds. Fellow forward Sa'Myah Smith contributed significantly with 21 points and 11 rebounds, proving key in the victory over a resilient Wolfpack team that ended its season with a 28-7 record.

UCLA, the top overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, also secured a spot in the Elite Eight by defeating No. 5 Ole Miss, 76-62, the same evening. All-American center Lauren Betts played a pivotal role for UCLA, scoring 31 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Betts exhibited remarkable shooting accuracy, finishing 15 of 16 from the field for a staggering 93.7% shooting percentage.

Throughout the tournament, Betts has shown her ability to dominate, averaging 25 points and 10 rebounds per game over three NCAA Tournament games. Point guard Kiki Rice supported her effort against Ole Miss with 13 points and seven assists.

As LSU prepares for this matchup, head coach Kim Mulkey emphasized the necessity of containing Betts in the paint. “You can’t let her catch the ball deep inside the paint because she will feast that close to the rim,” Mulkey said. This will challenge LSU’s post duo of Morrow and Smith, who have been crucial for the Tigers during their tournament run.

Last season, LSU’s Angel Reese faced Betts in their Sweet 16 encounter, but now Reese is with the WNBA, leaving LSU to devise a new strategy against Betts. Help defense will be a critical component in LSU’s plan to contain UCLA. The Tigers face another potential setback with the uncertain status of Flau'jae Johnson, who suffered an eye injury that left her with “double vision,” according to LSU trainers. Johnson was limited to three points on 1-of-8 shooting in the Sweet 16.

If Johnson, LSU’s leading scorer, cannot play, the Tigers may face significant challenges against UCLA. Mulkey acknowledged Johnson’s impact, saying, “What she brings to this team is immeasurable.”

In a predicted outcome, many analysts foresee UCLA prevailing 82-73 against LSU. Betts’ current form poses a formidable challenge as LSU aims to avoid the disappointment of elimination for the second consecutive season in the Elite Eight.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser. Follow him on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz.