LSU crushes North Carolina Central in historic victory

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on December 1, 2024, No. 7 LSU had a dominating performance against North Carolina Central, winning the game with a score of 131-44. This marked a significant occasion, as it gave head coach Kim Mulkey her 100th career victory with the Tigers and showcased the team's offensive strength. Flau'Jae Johnson led the scoring with 22 points, while Aneesah Morrow contributed with her eighth double-double of the season, featuring 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Tigers, maintaining their undefeated record of 9-0, displayed considerable depth in their squad. Eight players managed to score in double figures during the match, demonstrating a strong team effort. Kailyn Gilbert added 19 points, Sa'Myah Smith scored 13, and Last Tear-Poa netted 12 points, with Mikaylah Williams, Jersey Wolfenbarger, and Jada Richard each contributing 10 points. This comprehensive scoring effort highlights LSU's formidable offense going into future matchups. For N.C. Central, who fell to a record of 0-9 with this loss, the game proved to be particularly challenging. The team's performance was dominated by Morgan Callahan's 13 points, but they struggled to find their rhythm against a much stronger opponent. Coach Terrance Baxter's squad has faced significant challenges this season, as they have been financially supported by road game guarantees from larger programs to offset their budget. The loss at LSU added to their already tough season, with an average defeat margin of 65.4 points against Power 4 schools. The game served as a vital opportunity for the Tigers to prepare for an upcoming clash with Stanford. After a slow start where N.C. Central showed some competitive spirit by only trailing 26-18 at the end of the first quarter, they were unable to maintain that momentum. A critical turning point occurred in the second quarter when LSU didn't allow any points at all, resulting in a 37-0 scoring run. This quarter was pivotal as it set the tone for the remainder of the game, with LSU eventually amassing an impressive 105 points in the last three quarters alone. The Tigers' bench also played a crucial role in this victory, contributing a season-high of 65 points, showcasing their overall depth and readiness for tougher matches ahead.