DALLAS (WGNO) — The LSU Tigers women’s basketball program captured the school’s first national championship with a 102-85 win over Iowa at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Iowa entered today’s final a 3.5-point favorite over Kim Mulkey and company, but the Tigers are hoping to spoil what has been a magical tournament run for Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark.
LSU star forward Angel Reese set the single-season double-double record with 15 points and 10 rebounds in today’s game. She currently has 34 in LSU’s 36 games this season.
LSU wins first basketball national championship in school history, defeats Iowa 102-85
LSU’s 98 points is the most points scored in a national championship game. The tigers are on their way to their first title in program history.
Angel Reese breaks the single-season double-double record.
LSU’s 2 leading scorers heading into the 4th:
Jasmine Carson – 21 points
LaDazhia Williams – 16 points
Iowa uses a 15-2 run to cut the LSU lead to single digits but the Tigers keep their poise to take a 75-64 lead after three quarters of play.
HALF:
LSU – 59 Iowa – 42
Jasmine Carson drains a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Tigers the 17-point advantage. Carson scored 21 points in 12 minutes while shooting a perfect 7/7 from the field. She is 5/5 from beyond the arc.
Caitlin Clark had 16 points in the first half for Iowa (2 in the 2nd QTR) and ended the first half on the bench with 2 fouls.
LSU’s 59 points are the most points scored in a single half by one team in a national championship game.
Carson gives LSU the 54-42 lead in the 2nd quarter. Carson is 6/6 from the field with 18 points.
Jasmine Carson with a SENSATIONAL 16 points off the bench in the 1st half!!! Tigers take a 49-38 lead.
End 1st:
LSU – 27 Iowa – 22
LSU has done a GREAT job of weathering the Caitlin Clark (14 points) first-quarter storm by hitting timely shots of their own and getting to the free-throw line. However, the Tigers are dealing with early foul trouble.
Angel Reese (7 points & 3 rebounds) and Kateri Poole both pick up 2 fouls in the opening frame.
LSU storms back to take the 16-12 lead with 4:40 left to play in the 1st QTR. Since falling down 7-2, the Tigers force 2 turnovers to go on the 12-5 run.
Flau’jae Johnson leads the way with 6 points (2/4 FG) while Angel Reese has 5 points.
LSU opens the game with 3 turnovers and Caitlin Clark makes them pay with a DEEP three-pointer to give Iowa the 7-3 lead in the first 1:37 of regulation.
Gameday fit for LSU head coach Kim Mulkey
