LSU vs. UCLA, 2024 Albany Regional 2 Sweet 16
The star-power of Flau’jae Johnson is palpable. The way that she is playing, hyping up her teammates, going tunnel vision to the rim — pretty remarkable to see face-to-face.
The referees are seemingly hated by the UCLA fanbase. I’m sitting over behind the Bruin bench with the press. UCLA 3PT % is 6% with 1 min left in the second quarter. Not feeling good for the Bruins from a shot-making standpoint. The UCLA coach is not too happy with her players (and at the refs). I love it. I wouldn’t consider myself a fan of either of these teams, I just want a good game. And I appreciate any of the star-power that they provide. I think the books had LSU favored to win by -190 before tipoff, on ESPN BET. The line at the half is -650 for LSU and +310 for UCLA (moneyline). I’m not betting but was curious to see that line change. UCLA better get it together in the locker room and come out strong in this second half.
Halftime thought: The halftime dance team for UCLA (only 5 of them) is wearing very short skirts. Rolling around to “Pour That Sugar On Me.” Like Wow, do not get me wrong, hot! But family friendly? Not so much.
Okay now we are about to start the fourth quarter. Not sure where the third quarter went because the UCLA bench was ERRUPTING around me with the Bruins starting to knock down some shots. It is now tied 48–48. It seems like every UCLA player brought their entire bloodline to this game because the level of fandom is giving “seemingly related” with the hype that they have. Way to travel! UCLA coach, Cori Close, is locked in. Kim Mulkey is locked in. Cheerleaders and bands on both sides are going crazy.
UCLA’s Lauren Betts is a force. No one can really guard her. I’d feed the ball to her and have her go straight up more. She can be more of a force on offense. LSU’s defense must step up, they cannot slack and be lazy since UCLA is starting to hit shots. UCLA’s Londyn Jones sunk a couple of threes, she had been missing them the entire first half. (Note — This is my minimal basketball knowledge speaking, aware of my shortcomings here…). LSU’s Aneesah Morrow has a knee brace on that looks quite intense. I’m not saying she’s slow… but I think I’m being respectful to the comments I could make about her hustle by blaming the knee brace. (Note — I did give a fist bump to her after the game, she’s pretty cool.)
Angel Reese just committed her fourth personal, I’m sensing a foul-out coming. The UCLA fans are lighting up about it. This game is 53–52. (Note — The cheerleaders came out during a timeout at 6:41 and did a “Sock Toss” and let me tell you… they could do with a little throwing lesson. No hate to the cheer squads, I actually really enjoyed their presence.)
The outfit difference between LSU and UCLA coaching staffs is hilarious. Multi-colored vs. all black. Draw attention vs. let the kids shine. I’m not sure what the better strategy is or what the right approach is. Individuality vs. uniformity? Does it even matter? Just something I noticed. UCLA also cheers “Together” at the end of the timeouts. Wonder what LSU is saying over there… LOL. Here are a couple of my guesses: (Keep in mind that this would come after a “1, 2, 3 …”
1. Power
2. Glitter
3. Kim Mulkey
(Note — Later found out that they say, “Beat They Ass” and I feel like my guesses could have been wayyyyy better)
Ok around a minute to go some “play-by-play” and comments below:
· LSU up, but they just fouled Lauren Betts. There was a little scuffle before this foul, and I know Angel Reese has 4 fouls… so we’ll see how she plays defense the last minute here. 1:11 to go.
· LSU must take their time. They have possession now. Angel just got a huge defensive rebound on the missed foul by Betts.
· Betts with a HUGE block with 50 seconds left.
· OMG! Flau’jae with an INSANE LAYUP. That woman is playing insane this game, and everyone on that team is feeding off of her energy. She is a catalyst for this LSU team.
· Hailey Van Lyth with a wild charge. HOLY SHIT. Time out LSU. Flau’jae and Angel are hugging. The LSU band and their Tiger mascot is going crazy. UCLA seems nervous. HVL at the line. 36 seconds left.
· Timeout UCLA. Each team is so hype. Angel is waving to the crowd to hype them all up. Each team is trying to draw up a play. If I’m UCLA I’m getting the ball to Betts for 2… foul LSU and get the ball back and hope for a 3. It’s a 6-point difference right now, but ya never know. … Looks like UCLA might be done-for.
· Angel Reese fouled out and cursed out the UCLA coach on her way off the court. The refs didn’t see it. But WOW. I mean my eyes were bulging out of my head sitting right here and watching that. What a competitor. Tough language, but so fierce and competitive. I love it.
· 74–69, LSU up. 27 seconds left. I don’t think UCLA has a chance here. UCLA missed a three, that Jones #3… again… she couldn’t stay hot. Maybe if she was, this game was different.
Incredible experience to be at this game. The women are fierce competitors, and the game was nothing short of beautiful basketball and fascinating entertainment. The storylines are just getting richer. Now on to the Iowa game…
