No. 7 LSU vs No. 9 Virginia Tech | 2023 ACC/SEC Challenge | 11.30.23

BATON ROUGE - Kim Mulkey became the quickest coach in men’s or women’s DI basketball history to reach 700 wins Thursday night in the PMAC as No. 7 LSU took down No. 9 Virginia Tech, 82-64.
Mulkey surpassed UConn’s Geno Auriemma on the women’s side who got to 700 wins in 822 games and Kentucky’s Adolph Rupp on the men’s side who reached the mark in 836 games. Thursday was Mulkey’s 813th game as a head coach.
“These victories are special to me, but my impact on these girls is the most important,” Coach Mulkey said. “All in all, reaching 700 victories is nice, but I am most proud of my basketball team and where they have come.”
After a slow first quarter, the Tigers flipped the switch offensively and defensively in the second quarter. Four Tigers scored in double figures and LSU outpaced Virginia Tech in transition with 12 points off fast breaks to just 4 for the Hokies. The Tiger’s ability to get to the free-throw line was also big as they made 17 free-throws to 8 by Virginia Tech.
“​​When they spend time on the floor together, it becomes a thing of beauty,” Coach Mulkey said. “You see happiness out there, kids high-fiving, lifting others, and some roles that have now changed.”
Aneesah Morrow led the Tigers once again as she recorded her fourth double-double of the season, her third in a row. The reigning ESPN, AP, SEC and USBWA player of the week scored 19 and hauled in 15 rebounds in 39 minutes of action. She also added 3 steals and 2 blocks in the win.
“We have each other’s backs and were willing to take on the challenge,” Morrow said. “I feel like I’ve been showing that and my teammates have as well.”
Mikaylah Williams dropped 20 points on 9-15 shooting and added 6 rebounds and 5 assists. William’s Thursday night performance marked the third time she has amounted 20 points or more this year. The Freshman continued to shine in big moments as she led the Tigers in scoring in both the second and third quarter.
Angel Reese and Flau’Jae Johnson both scored in double figures to contribute to the 18-point victory. Reese totaled 9 rebounds and scored 9 in the final quarter to finish with 19. Johnson dropped 13 points and had 8 rebounds to record her fifth double-digit game of the season.
“We knew Virginia Tech from the Final Four and that was beneficial, but it was about us tonight,” Reese said. “Nobody comes into our house and takes things from us. You see how many people were in double figures tonight. We all play for each other and love playing good team basketball together.”
Virginia Tech’s dynamic duo of Georgia Amoore and Elizabeth Kitley led the Hokies all over the floor. Amoore led all scorers with 25 points on 11-24 from the field. Kitley finished with a double-double as she earned 16 points and 11 boards before fouling out halfway through the fourth quarter.
Hailey Van Lith, who only had 7 points, defended Amoore all night and did a good of limiting her space. Reese and Morrow both guarded Kitley at times and forced her to settle for jumpers instead of getting to the rim. Johnson was also big on the defensive end guarding the perimeter and limiting driving opportunities.
“Flau’jae Johnson and Hailey Van Lith were unsung heroes in the game tonight with their new roles,” Coach Mulkey said. “These two have greatly improved their all-around game and they put their focus on a strong defensive presence.”
After a slow start, LSU improved its 27-percent FG in the first quarter to finish 50-percent from the field overall. The Tigers fought hard down low as they out-rebounded the Hokies 43-29 and scored 32 points in the paint. LSU had 9 steals and 15 assists as an entire team effort boosted a comeback from dropping the first quarter.
The Tigers will take next week off for finals before hosting UL-Lafayette on December 10 in the PMAC to begin a three-game home slate before making one final road trip ahead of conference play.
Amoore led the Hokies through the opening six minutes with 7 points on 3-4 from the field as her squad held a 15-8 lead at the first media timeout. LSU forced VT to a span of 1-7 from the field as Morrow scored four to keep the Tigers within double figures. The LSU defense forced three pivotale turnovers in the final two minutes of the opening quarter to enter the second trailing 20-13. The Tigers started cold, shooting just 27-percent in the first quarter compared to Virginia Tech’s 42-percent.
lsusports.net/news/2023/11/30...

[@jpcash8012]

Morrow & Williams are absolute ballers 🔥🔥🔥 like damn near pro ready

[@danielpires8940]

They are successful because the team is stacked with good players, opposing teams have a difficult time guarding and focusing on one particular player because leaving another one that needs to be doubled is impossible because that player will score as well. Opposing teams only have 5 players on the court at one time. Smith was imposing link, she was a blockshot threat, and they're going to miss her against South Carolina. Can't wait to see that game. By the way, Morrow & Williams are not damn near pro-ready yet.

[@jpcash8012]

@@danielpires8940 well, they look good to me

[@danielpires8940]

@@jpcash8012 : l agree but not pro ready, there are levels to the game. Just ask Alexis Morris, Ladazhia Williams, Bre Beal, Monica Czinano, Destiny Henderson, to name a few.

[@jpcash8012]

@@danielpires8940 good point

[@drithehilarious9856]

how you feel about morrow and willams after wathing the sc game??@@danielpires8940

[@jpcash8012]

and don’t underestimate Flau’jae she’s really good too. Her athleticism and skill combination is great

[@bryanhampton4861]

Glue

[@bryanhampton4861]

Glue

[@msl5253]

@Jpcash8012 Yeah. Flau'jaes "Da Truff"!!

[@autumn5211]

it's really the little things that she does that makes a difference (especially on Defense) and I love that. I wish she would shoot the ball a little bit more tho.

[@msl5253]

@@autumn5211 Don't worry. She got one of those 30 pt games in her!!

[@nottoomuch87]

Mikaylah Williams is just that girl! They might just make it back to the final four if Kim ever realizes that they need to run the offense through her. Heavy on the might.

[@baileytreadwell7341]

They all doing their thing. Yall always go for that one person as if they can carry a team on their bk. This about teamwork not one woman's game

[@nottoomuch87]

@baileytreadwell7341 Where did I say she needed to carry? I said they would be better if they ran the offense through her. That's usually how it works. You run the offense through your best offensive player. Aneesah would be a very close second, but Mikaylah can stretch the defense more than Aneesah. Don't misconstrue my comment as putting the others down, it's just an honest observation based on skill level.

[@baileytreadwell7341]

@@nottoomuch87 i understand but I was thinking why just her when they all can play harmonious together. This why they are winning now! Have a nice day

[@nottoomuch87]

@@baileytreadwell7341 Do you know what running the offense through a player means? She doesn't have to shoot the ball everytime but she needs to touch it almost everytime down the court. It just opens the floor up and makes it easier for her teammates. That will be huge once they actually play an elite team. Virginia tech is not as talented as LSU and it showed with all the missed wide open shots. That won't be the case against the SC, Stanford, UConn, or UCLA'S of the game.

[@chrisj6express]

@@nottoomuch87you’re correct, William and Morrow are the best offensive players LSU has. Reese is not an offensive threat if she not in the paint. Last play to win the game it better be in Williams or Morrow hand, no hate to Reese just facts

[@WO2411]

I love Aneesah so much💯 Glad Angel back in her bag 🔥🔥

[@bernardriggs2079]

Good team performance , I think MW the best freshman in the country and one of the top players . She put that pressure on the opponent and don’t let up.

[@ericbanks9286]

Angel the passer on the team the pass to flaujae was 🔥🔥🔥

[@crackingwithSwizzle]

Awesome game and it seems like LSU is playing better together. I just think that they need to tighten it up in the post with Angel and Morrow bc they're both fighting for the rebound and that could cause them to lose the ball or risk an injury.

[@the_one9801]

Nope crash the boards.. idgaf who gets the ball as long as it’s a Lady Tiger!

[@bernardriggs2079]

Well you can’t tell them to share rebounds which would cause them to be passive that’s would Angel was doing before and got criticized for it. Many said she wasn’t playing hard They got to communicate o court , Iike they should be doing anyways when possible

[@GeneralRock114]

That’s the craziest thing I’ve heard!!! That’s called team rebounding which a lot of teams lack. One player can’t dominate the boards.

[@GeneralRock114]

Now that’s coaching Kim. Suspend her and pretend you are this no nonsense disciplinarian, but first check the schedule to see which game you really need her. Too bad Angel didn’t have the Flu or something so that your idiotic plan would have failed. To all you hater fans at LSU who were saying you could win without her, do you still believe that??? It was fine when you were playing bad teams.

[@autumn5211]

I hate that SMith got injured she is needed and missed. #geauxtigers

[@bernardriggs2079]

Needed for more depth , the thing is she took a starting spot , meaning she wasn’t forecasted to start even though we know it’s open competition' which was likely causing a little tension because she was a unexpected starter through hard work. Morrow was pushed to the bench , and Angel time was being reduced . The problem now is they one injury away from having a shorter rotation. But I hate that for the kid too.

[@autumn5211]

@@bernardriggs2079 I feel like Smith was starting to fill in Ladazhia Williams shoes. Anyone who follwed LSU throughout last season and the tournament would know that when Angel was down, Ladazhia stepped up. Smith was off to a great start. I'm concerned about how they will match up against SC because they somewhat lack post depth on top of not having a true point guard. Del Rosario doesnt count in my opinion because she's too slow and too soft.

[@bernardriggs2079]

@@autumn5211 I don’t know SC looking more vulnerable against NC and Duke , if a big like Rosario get in there and bang . Just that 6-6 frame getting in the way to slow lob passes appears to be able to slow Cardosa . The game is 7 weeks away , tournaments a little farther away , and Rosario got a lot of time to learn a little more . LSU will be unstoppable if they develop Rosario expeditiously. UCLA is super dangerous IMO

[@autumn5211]

@@bernardriggs2079 Yea I hope they'll continue to work with Rosario. Yea UCLA is something serious.

[@BigChrisENT]

Morrow is different! Best all around player on the team!

[@Raw-Ent]

No flaujae is best all around player

[@SULLYtheSojourner]

That is probably Reece's problem source. Her ego can't accept it. No character.

[@jonahedwards2909]

1️⃣0️⃣ is back on the floor 🙌🏾🙌🏾👏🏾

[@user-jx1xb5uj7g]

I loved Morrow at Depaul, and she's still a beast at LSU.

[@Raw-Ent]

Flaujae best player all around they need her to do it all rebound assist n lock up the best player in the other team ppl sleep on her cause she don’t try to score all the time girl is a pro n team player her game really grown

[@kinkystud510]

OMG! When is LSU and S. Carolina playin. I wanna see Fulwiley and Williams go off.

[@davidcaldwell3219]

Jan.25

[@lindseywilliams]

Fulwiley bag not deep enough for williams

[@bernardriggs2079]

No that Watkins vs Aneesha matchup , its going to be some shuffling in that game I see several mismatches it’s going to be lit . Cordosa the ex factor along with in game adjustments

[@bernardriggs2079]

⁠@@lindseywilliamsFulwiley going to slow her in spurts .Fulwiley more athletic KW more polished player. You don’t thinkFulwiley can stay in front of her and limit her touches??

[@lindseywilliams]

@@bernardriggs2079 yea she will stay in front her but like you said MK is more polished

[@danielpires8940]

LSU will not repeat as National Champions, and the NCAA is making sure of that. Every week LSU has won and despite winning the NCAA keeps them ranked at #7, while other teams ranked lower than them have been bumped up ahead of LSU, including Iowa which lost a game and instead of dropping below LSU, remains ahead of them. This is being done deliberately so that when the NCAA tournament seeding comes around LSU would be a 2, 3, 4, seed guaranteeing they have to play top-seeded teams throughout the tournament, and with no rest between games. The NCAA wants LSU to lose because they are upset over Angel Reese teasing Caitlin Clark in last season's title game. LSU should be ranked # 2 in the country, not #7 week after week no matter who they beat. They blew out Iowa and have a better team than last year's team while Iowa clearly does not have a better team, yet the NCAA is keeping Iowa in the top, so they can end up with a # 1 seed. The NCAA is cheating LSU.

[@kevdebable]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@tiamarrow6366]

This game should prove that Morrow, Angel, and Flau’jae aren’t letting the rumors, bullying, and hate get to them…..they’re focusing on their games as a team and part of being a team is having up’s and downs but ultimately trying to solve them as a team, and figuring things out. With Flau’jae and Angel…..despite their mothers’ beef….it’s clear from this game that they’re still super close and aren’t listening to the bullshit. With Angel and Aneessa, if there was truly any animosity between them I don’t think they would’ve done the post game press conference together. However like Mulkey said, what happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room and unless it’s a situation that the team wants to make public…..we are not obligated to know what’s going on with them. If Aneessa and Angel had any issues with each other, I’m sure they would’ve been big girls about it and talked things out privately.

[@msl5253]

@Tiamorrow Another Great post by you. In fairness: I never heard anything between/about Angel and Aneesah (besides fans and haters wanting to start trouble). Maybe you have?...I've more about Flau'jae and Angel's friendship being strained. I've heard K.Poole vs Flau'jae (as K.Poole is Reese's friend), along with K.Poole vs Last Tear Poa ( because she took her time).Come to think of it. I did hear (from somewhere), Aneesah Morrow and someone, but I don't remember, haven't heard involved much. You? But I agree with you. The ladies looked focus and happy, and almost relieved to have Angel back on the court (which will of course, only make the "Haterz" recoil) as they seized the moment and challenge of Virginia Tech! Onward to the next!

[@SULLYtheSojourner]

Neverming that Reece went awop 4&1/2 games? Something is amiss! Did you see Reece's snipping comments at post-game her 1st game back? Deny all you want, but their are attitude issues amongst those girls. Up to coach to gel them without stressing out by Big Dance time.

[@msl5253]

@@SULLYtheSojourner What snipping comments post game? Directed at who, the media?

[@janaebattle8090]

I pray to God that LSU wins the championship again 🙏🏽 many praise you when your up but as soon as something bad happens they talk bad about you….keep going angel

[@bernardriggs2079]

SC ,Sanford , Ucla , and maybe NcState will have the athletes to slow them vice versa.The top seed in march going to have the easier bracket , which force other teams to knock each other off.

[@autumn5211]

I hope they do too because they have alot of people praying on their down fall fr. BUT idk South Carolina is looking really good this year

[@beardownbitches4074]

Van Lith gotta work on her foot speed. She be getting COOKED on the perimeter Edit: Word on the street is HVL has been dealing with a foot issue since last week so I'll cut her some slack for now. For reference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqfFmKSDfJqbf5o

[@TheAnswerWillleaveyou]

Because she's an SG, not a PG 😂

[@the_one9801]

@@TheAnswerWillleaveyouwhat does that have to do with DEFENSE

[@Dingle051554]

She is white. No twitch.

[@TheAnswerWillleaveyou]

@the_one9801 PG is usually faster than SG. She having trouble keeping up with the Opposing team Point Guards.

[@bernardriggs2079]

They don’t want to admit this but ballers see this clearly.

[@williamthurston7260]

GOD BLESS YOU ANGEL AND COACH MULKEY ❤

[@iguillo]

LSU looked like the best team in the nation last night!

[@davidcaldwell3219]

But their NOT..gotta beat SC

[@tatyanamurray8638]

Yeah they did 😝😝

[@tatyanamurray8638]

@@davidcaldwell3219they almost lost so North Carolina relax 🥴

[@mzbatonrougebeauty5267]

​@@tatyanamurray8638almost? Lol...but they won

[@nottoomuch87]

Sometimes, I wonder what games y'all be watching.

[@WTFZAE98]

Morrow was on fire she definitely got the team fired up in the 3rd quarter major confident boost

[@snowyecole1452]

My Goodness these commentator always talking about the player business the whole game 😞 Sick of it just stick to the game and the player. Good game😊

[@JBHarris21]

That coach let his player foul out in the first half smh... TERRIBLE

[@blessedvanessa]

That was so weird to me that he kept allowing her to play through each foul. I've never seen that before🤷🏾‍♀️.

[@JBHarris21]

@blessedvanessa my middle school coach, did it to me lol I i ain't foul out again til my senior year😅 but a college coach doing that to a player is very weird!

[@ravenindia313]

He was desperate 😩😭

[@bernardriggs2079]

Yea he ain’t all there , on top of that he thinks he can win with just 2 studs players , not in this era

[@dmartin6246]

I can't wait until SC square off with LSU.

[@1toughGplayer]

I apologize CONGRATULATIONS Aneesah Morrow 24 on 37pts 🏀👏👏 another true baller 😊

[@1toughGplayer]

Sorry but I'd really wish people would STOP talking about Angel REESE MISSING when she already talked about it in the post game she's human and it's her business thank you bye 😠

[@1toughGplayer]

Also the point shot was MK 12 NOT A MORROW thank you 30:58

[@ericbanks9286]

Stat wise I would like to see hailey assist go up especially if that’s her role now playing pg and getting her teammates in the game she should have at least 10 assist a game

[@richardduffy3115]

Van Lith got used all night by Amore and also by her own teammates. 🤔

[@roguegamer8568]

They don't pass the ball to her when she's open. I'm not saying they're giving the ball only to the black chicks but🤷

[@krazykym]

y’all do understand hailey plays a different position now right ? her job isn’t to put 30 shots up every game… hailey’s job is to set up the offense, and to keep everybody engaged and involved..which she did

[@krazykym]

@@roguegamer8568just because she calls for it doesn’t mean she has to get it, none of her teammates took bad shots tonight…she calls out so they know where she is IF they need her

[@bernardriggs2079]

Don’t say that they going to protect her at all cost she’s obviously should becoming off bench to give MWa break. HVL won’t be pro ready she has a high basketball IQ but her feet just to slow .

[@krazykym]

@@bernardriggs2079 im sure kim mulkey wouldnt have MW starting pg, use your brain…and why pick one of them to start when they can both start, hailey doesnt need speed to make it in the wnba because if that was the case alexis morris shouldve been way higher in draft

[@bryanhampton4861]

Lobo is a LSU hater i notice that in that championship game

[@brandonwillis88]

VT is going under the ball screens and still giving up drives or over helping and giving people open shots. Poor Defense.

[@SULLYtheSojourner]

Nothing like home cooking to make your team look good.😮

[@aegontargaryen7478]

Baylor vs SMU???

[@smokesumsessionwheavy8230]

5:51

[@JBHarris21]

Unpopular opinion... AR isn't that good offensively.. Morrow is way better. AR doesn't look WNBA ready.

[@6forsix]

Big facts brother. They act as if she’s Candace Parker or something. I don’t see groundbreaking

[@baldahraster9941]

We don't care as long as they all happy playing together

[@blankmode888]

That Part Bro...@@baldahraster9941

[@ktnmz2046]

Agree about Morrow and I’m delighted to see her flourishing. I actually think Williams looks more WNBA ready than Reese does. She has an incredible skill set, and an impressive amount of poise for a Freshman.

[@twostacks00]

Last night must have been your first time watching AR. U couldn't seen her last year.

[@elihubildad6677]

The giraffe is back.

[@user-tx7td9vt9e]

LSU struggled the first half just like SC last night and they were home. The best team is South Carolina as they beat UnC in chapel hill

[@jamessimmons7476]

They didn’t struggle the first half . They struggled the first quarter . After the first quarter they smoked VT .

[@dherbeebiam8940]

Why are you here in the comments ..The best team will be decided in March 😂

[@msl5253]

@Usertx Now, you're moving the goal post as you all do. Not surprising/SMH Next!

[@blessedvanessa]

But you're under LSU game highlights making this comment? Clearly you're a Tiger fan 😂😂

[@user-tx7td9vt9e]

@@msl5253 South Carolina best team in the country

[@HunterBidenCocaineBag]

So Reeses's "tutor" caught up her work for gor her.

[@shesostubborn]

Bye clown

[@ronaldjohnson8769]

Hopefully she can get your phone number, because you need help, your grammar is horrible 😂😂😂😂

[@AroundTheWayGirl88]

I'm not impressed with Reese. Never have been. Not hating. I just don't see rhe hype. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@ericbanks9286]

Flaujaue most improved big 4 is balling 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿