As the Tigers faced off against Georgia without their star guard, Aneesah Morrow, LSU fans held their breath. After an injury scare in the game against Texas, her absence on the court was a cause for concern. Would she be okay? Would the team manage without her? Those concerns, though, faded quickly into reassurance as LSU waltzed away with a 79-63 victory while displaying their depth and resilience.

Morrow or not, the Tigers rebounded well from their loss to Texas. Coach Kim Mulkey shared some positive news following the match. “Well, let me say this about Annesah: she has no structural damage, no ligament tears, and no broken bones. She got stepped on in the Texas game, if you guys remember. She took herself out and then put herself back in. It was just a contusion; she’s just sore.” Mulkey said. Her resting was strictly precautionary. “And what better time to rest than tonight? Because of what you guys said, the last three are tough-as-nails games that we are getting ready to see.” she added.

Other players made big contributions with Aneesah Morrow out. Jersey Wolfenbarger and Sa’Myah Smith seized their opportunity, each recording a double-double. Wolfenbarger, who had entered the tournament averaging merely 3.9 rebounds per game, erupted for 16 points and 12 rebounds. Smith added 12 rebounds and 11 points, making it clear that LSU has more than one weapon.

Flau’jae Johnson also had a monster night, leading the team in points with 21 and 3 steals along with 2 assists. Kailyn Gilbert, meanwhile, added 15 points off the bench. Mulkey had nothing but nice things to say about her crew, noting, “For these two guys (Sa’Myah and Jersey) to have double-doubles in her absence has to build their confidence. God works in mysterious ways.”

Morrow has been a force for LSU all season, averaging 18.1 points and leading the nation with 14.4 rebounds per game. Her ability to seize second-chance opportunities has been a big reason for LSU’s success. 

Aneesah Morrow’s presence will be key in LSU’s final stretch before March

Morrow isn’t just any player—she’s a “walking double-double.” She’s already accumulated 22 of them this season, and with three significant SEC matchups on the horizon, LSU will need her back at full strength.

The Tigers face a difficult uphill battle. They’ll first face No. 14 Kentucky, then battle No. 18 Alabama, and land before Ole Miss. Those games will dictate where LSU ends up in the SEC standings, and if they finish strong, they could land in the top-four and earn a double-bye in the SEC Tournament.

Mulkey knows what’s ahead: “You can’t go on the road these last three games which are going to be unbelievably difficult… We don’t have cupcakes left. We have got to play.” Though Morrow is expected back soon, LSU won’t force it. Mulkey’s decision to hold her out against Georgia was a sound long-term strategy, making sure she is healthy for the games that really count.

Thursday’s victory was not only about bouncing back — it was a statement. LSU proved they have the depth and grit to withstand adversity. But, let’s face it— Aneesah Morrow being back will be a difference-maker. As the postseason approaches, the Tigers need her to dominate on the court. If she comes back at full strength, LSU might be able to make a run deep into the tournament.