The LSU Women’s Basketball schedule is set, and anticipation is high for another exciting season. The Lady Tigers, fresh off a dominant run to the NCAA Championship, are looking to build on their success and establish themselves as a perennial powerhouse.
This season promises a mix of familiar rivals and new challenges, with each game offering an opportunity for the team to showcase their talent and resilience.
The schedule features a blend of tough conference matchups and high-profile non-conference games, providing a platform for the Lady Tigers to test their mettle against some of the best teams in the country. With a roster brimming with talent and a coaching staff known for its strategic brilliance, LSU is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and contend for another national title.
LSU Women’s Basketball Team Overview
The LSU Women’s Basketball program has a rich history of success, boasting a dedicated fanbase and a competitive spirit. The team has consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
LSU’s women’s basketball program has achieved numerous milestones throughout its history, including:
- Two NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Championships (2008, 2023)
- 13 SEC Regular Season Championships
- 12 SEC Tournament Championships
- 27 NCAA Tournament appearances
Current Roster and Key Players
The 2023-2024 LSU Women’s Basketball team boasts a talented roster with several key players who will contribute to the team’s success. Some of the key players to watch include:
- Angel Reese: A dominant force in the paint, Reese is a two-time All-American and the reigning Naismith Player of the Year. She is known for her rebounding prowess and scoring ability.
- Hailey Van Lith: A dynamic guard, Van Lith brings a scoring punch and playmaking ability to the team. She is a proven scorer at all three levels and can create opportunities for her teammates.
- Flau’jae Johnson: A highly touted freshman, Johnson possesses a smooth shooting stroke and the potential to be a key contributor for the Tigers. She is a versatile player who can score from anywhere on the court.
Coaching Staff and Experience
The LSU Women’s Basketball program is led by head coach Kim Mulkey, a legendary figure in the sport. Mulkey has a proven track record of success, having won three NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Championships as a head coach. Her experience and leadership are invaluable assets to the team.
- Kim Mulkey: Head Coach, three-time NCAA champion, two-time Naismith Coach of the Year.
- Tory Verdi: Associate Head Coach, extensive experience coaching at the collegiate and professional levels.
- Nikki Caldwell: Assistant Coach, former head coach at LSU and a veteran of the coaching ranks.
2023-2024 Regular Season Schedule
The LSU Women’s Basketball team will face a challenging regular season schedule, featuring tough matchups against both conference and non-conference opponents. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 7, 2023 | Texas A&M-Commerce | 7:00 PM | Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA | |
| November 10, 2023 | Nicholls State | 7:00 PM | Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA | |
| November 12, 2023 | Southern Miss | 7:00 PM | Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA | |
| November 17, 2023 | at Tulane | 7:00 PM | Devlin Fieldhouse, New Orleans, LA | |
| November 20, 2023 | vs. Florida State | 4:00 PM | Bahamas Championship, Nassau, Bahamas | |
| November 22, 2023 | vs. TBD | 4:00 PM | Bahamas Championship, Nassau, Bahamas | |
| November 24, 2023 | vs. TBD | 4:00 PM | Bahamas Championship, Nassau, Bahamas | |
| November 29, 2023 | at Lamar | 7:00 PM | Montagne Center, Beaumont, TX | |
| December 2, 2023 | Northwestern State | 7:00 PM | Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA | |
| December 6, 2023 | at Oregon | 9:00 PM | Matthew Knight Arena, Eugene, OR | |
| December 10, 2023 | at Texas | 7:00 PM | Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX | |
| December 17, 2023 | Grambling State | 7:00 PM | Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA | |
| December 21, 2023 | vs. UCLA | 2:00 PM | Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA | |
| December 30, 2023 | Rice | 7:00 PM | Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA |
Key Matchups and Potential Rivalries
The LSU Women’s Basketball team will face several key matchups throughout the regular season. Some of the most anticipated games include:
- vs. Florida State (November 20, 2023): A rematch of the 2023 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen game, this matchup will be a chance for LSU to avenge their loss and prove their dominance.
- at Oregon (December 6, 2023): A highly competitive non-conference matchup against a perennial powerhouse in the Pac-12 Conference.
- at Texas (December 10, 2023): A rivalry game against a strong opponent in the Big 12 Conference.
Conference Play (SEC)
The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in women’s basketball, featuring several top-ranked teams and talented players. Conference play is crucial for LSU, as it will determine their seeding in the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
SEC Schedule
The SEC schedule will feature a double round-robin format, with each team playing each other twice, once home and once away. The full SEC schedule will be released later in the summer.
Challenges and Opportunities in the SEC
The SEC is a challenging conference, but it also presents numerous opportunities for LSU to showcase their talent and compete for a conference title. The Tigers will face tough competition from teams like:
- South Carolina: The reigning NCAA champions and a perennial powerhouse in the SEC.
- Tennessee: A traditional powerhouse with a strong program and a talented roster.
- Texas A&M: A consistent contender in the SEC with a strong program and a talented roster.
Importance of Conference Play
Conference play is crucial for LSU’s success, as it determines their seeding in the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. A strong conference record will be essential for the Tigers to earn a high seed in the NCAA Tournament and improve their chances of making a deep run.
Strengths and Weaknesses of SEC Opponents
LSU’s SEC opponents have a variety of strengths and weaknesses. South Carolina is known for its strong defense and rebounding, while Tennessee is known for its athleticism and scoring ability. Texas A&M has a balanced team with a strong inside presence and perimeter shooting.
Postseason Outlook
The LSU Women’s Basketball team has high expectations for the postseason, aiming to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their recent success and talented roster suggest that they have the potential to be a national contender.
NCAA Tournament Chances
LSU’s chances of making the NCAA Tournament are very high. They are projected to be a top-10 team in the country and should earn a high seed in the tournament. Their strong regular season performance and recent success will give them a strong advantage in the selection process.
Potential Seeding and Tournament Matchups
LSU is projected to be a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament, which would give them a favorable matchup in the first two rounds. However, the tournament is unpredictable, and they could face a tough challenge from any opponent.
Factors Impacting Postseason Success
Several factors could impact LSU’s postseason success, including:
- Health and Injury: Any significant injuries to key players could derail LSU’s tournament run.
- Momentum: Carrying momentum from the regular season into the tournament will be crucial for LSU’s success.
- Matchups: LSU’s success will depend on how they perform against specific opponents in the tournament.
Predictions for LSU’s Performance in the Tournament, Lsu women’s basketball schedule
LSU has the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their talented roster, strong coaching staff, and recent success suggest that they have the ability to compete for a national championship. However, the tournament is unpredictable, and any team can have a breakout performance.
LSU will need to play their best basketball to achieve their goals.
Key Players to Watch: Lsu Women’s Basketball Schedule
The LSU Women’s Basketball team is filled with talented players who will be key to their success. Here are some of the key players to watch:
Angel Reese
A dominant force in the paint, Reese is a two-time All-American and the reigning Naismith Player of the Year. She is known for her rebounding prowess and scoring ability. Reese’s ability to dominate inside will be crucial for LSU’s success.
Hailey Van Lith
A dynamic guard, Van Lith brings a scoring punch and playmaking ability to the team. She is a proven scorer at all three levels and can create opportunities for her teammates. Van Lith’s ability to create her own shot and facilitate the offense will be essential for LSU’s success.
Flau’jae Johnson
A highly touted freshman, Johnson possesses a smooth shooting stroke and the potential to be a key contributor for the Tigers. She is a versatile player who can score from anywhere on the court. Johnson’s ability to contribute immediately will be a valuable asset for LSU.
Game Day Experience
Attending an LSU Women’s Basketball game is an unforgettable experience, with a passionate fanbase and a lively atmosphere. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center is a great venue to catch a game and witness the excitement of LSU Women’s Basketball.
Atmosphere at LSU Home Games
The atmosphere at LSU home games is electric, with a passionate fanbase that cheers loudly for the Tigers. The Pete Maravich Assembly Center is known for its loud and energetic crowd, creating a home-court advantage for LSU. The team’s success has only added to the excitement and enthusiasm of the fans.
Fan Base and Passion
LSU has a dedicated fanbase that is passionate about the women’s basketball program. The fans are known for their loud cheers, creative chants, and unwavering support for the Tigers. Their passion and energy contribute significantly to the atmosphere at LSU home games.
Game Day Traditions and Events
LSU Women’s Basketball games are known for their unique traditions and events. Some of the popular traditions include:
- Tiger Walk: The team’s arrival at the arena is often met with cheers and excitement from fans.
- The Geaux Geaux Geaux Chant: The crowd erupts with this chant throughout the game, showing their support for the Tigers.
- Halftime Entertainment: The halftime show often features performances by the LSU cheerleaders and dance team, providing entertainment for the fans.
Tips for Attending an LSU Women’s Basketball Game
Here are some tips for attending an LSU Women’s Basketball game:
- Purchase Tickets in Advance: Tickets for LSU Women’s Basketball games are in high demand, so it’s best to purchase tickets in advance.
- Arrive Early: Arrive early to avoid traffic and long lines.
- Wear Purple and Gold: Show your team spirit by wearing the colors of LSU.
- Join the Geaux Geaux Geaux Chant: Participate in the game day traditions and join the crowd in cheering for the Tigers.
Last Recap
As the season unfolds, fans will be glued to their screens, eager to witness the Lady Tigers’ journey. The LSU Women’s Basketball schedule is a testament to the team’s ambition and commitment to excellence. With every game, the team will strive to uphold its legacy and leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Whether it’s a thrilling victory or a hard-fought defeat, one thing is certain: the Lady Tigers will always play with passion, determination, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.