Women’s Basketball Advances to SEC Quarterfinals

The LSU women’s basketball team (9-12, 6-8) extended its season Thursday afternoon, beating Mississippi State 71-62 in the second round of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament.

LSU, the bracket’s No. 8 seed, was largely in control. The Bulldogs had a slim 15-13 lead after the first quarter, but LSU would outscore Mississippi State by a combined 12 points in the second and third quarters.

Senior point guard Khayla Pointer, recently named First-Team All-SEC and All-Defense, led LSU as she has so many times in her career. Pointer had 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

LSU also got a serious spark of offense from its bench. Ryann Payne led all players with 17 points while Sarah Shematsi added 13. The LSU bench outscored Mississippi State’ 34-15.

The Tiger defense was once again stout, forcing eight steals and holding Mississippi State to 27 percent on three-pointers. LSU was also the aggressor on offense, making more free throws, 19, than Mississippi State attempted, 17.

LSU’s reward for beating Mississippi State is a Friday morning matchup with the Texas A&M Aggies, the regular season conference champions. A&M is No. 2 in the nation and 22-1 overall. The one loss? A 65-61 overtime loss to your Fighting Tigers of LSU on January 14.

LSU looks to keep its season going at 10:00 Friday morning, and the game will be carried on the SEC Network.