Love her or hate her, what Kim Mulkey has accomplished with LSU in just two seasons is incredible. She managed to put together the right combination of players who are meshing at the perfect time. Transfers Angel Reese (Maryland), Kateri Poole (Ohio State), LaDazhia Williams (Missouri), Jasmine Carson (West Virginia), along with freshmen Flau’jae Johnson, Last-Tear Poa, Sa’Myah Smith and fifth-year senior Alexis Morris have blended so well it’s hard to tell it’s their first season playing together. Though the Tigers have been knocked for their soft regular-season schedule, they still won those games in dominant fashion and were successful in SEC play — losing only once to South Carolina. LSU is averages 38 points per game in the paint and holds opponents to 17.4 paint-points. Reese (23.2 points and 15.7 rebounds) has more than 30 double-doubles. The Tigers often win by controlling the boards and getting buckets in transition off turnovers. They are savvy, scrappy and fearless.
Virginia Tech is making its first appearance in the Final Four and deservedly so. The Hokies work hard in every facet of the game. The inside-outside game between Elizabeth Kitley (18.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game) and Georgia Amoore (16.3 PPG) is poetry in motion. Overall, the Hokies have a balanced scoring attack. From drives in the lane to mid-range jumpers to perimeter shooting, Virginia Tech can hurt opponents at all three levels. With four starters averaging double-digits, it’s hard to contain. Amoore has been on a tear, shooting 39 percent from 3 in the tournament. The Hokies also defend the boards, keeping opponents off the glass. Defensive rebounding was an asset against Ohio State in the Elite Eight, but being smart and patient with the ball ultimately propelled the Hokies. They not only broke the Buckeyes’ full-court press, they made it look easy.
LSU may have more versatility and athleticism in the frontcourt, but the Reese and Kitley interior matchup is going to be intense. Keep an eye on the rebounding numbers. The Tigers get offensive rebounds at a higher rate (45.6 percent), while the Hokies excel at protecting the glass. Virginia Tech has to limit Reese and company from capitalizing on second-chance points. LSU also has the advantage in steals and blocks. The Tigers will look to get as many turnovers and transition buckets as they can. As the better 3-point-shooting team, the Hokies have multiple players who can hit from outside. They’re averaging 24 3-point attempts per game in the tournament. LSU has to guard the perimeter and keep Amoore from getting in the lane, where she’s so effective at passing off or taking a high-percentage shot. Expect a back-and-forth chess match that could come down to the final possession.
The pick: Virginia Tech
(Photo: Kirby Lee / USA Today)
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