LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Match Preview – Injury Report, Starting Lineup, and Prediction

Coming from fresh defeats, both LSU Tigers and Crimson Tide are looking to bounce back as they go head-to-head. Considering this, Thursday night is going to be awesome for the fans as both teams will play in a fierce form. Moreover, players like Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow never back down as they play to win. On the other hand, players like Sarah Ashlee Barker bring distinctive insights to the Crimson Tide’s roster.

With a lot to lose on either end, let’s take a closer look at both teams.

The raging LSU Tigers

Ranking 1st in the SEC, the LSU Tigers have a record of 16 wins following a season-opener defeat. That loss acted as a catalyst of motivation as the Tigers have been on a winning streak barring their previous encounter. So far, they have defeated teams like Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Texas A&M. With Kim Mulkey as their head coach, the team always plays with fresh and strong determination and resilience in every game.

A dedicated and hard-working team, the LSU Tigers have players like Aneesah Morrow, averaging 18.3 points, and 9.7 rebounds per game, Mikaylah Williams scoring 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds,, and 3.1 assists per game, Flau’jae Johnson averaging 13.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and Hailey Van Lith averaging 11.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

Although the Tigers held the fort few games in her absence initially this season, Angel Reese’s spot on gameplay turns the game into their fans’ delight. This season Angel has been averaging 20.1 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. In the most effective way possible, these players have played an instrumental role in LSU’s success.

However, the Tigers are falling short of a significant player due to injury as that of forward Sa’Myah Smith. Tearing her ACL, MCL, and meniscus in her right knee in the first quarter of LSU’s opening win against Niagara in the Cayman Islands Classic, she has been forced to miss the remainder of the season. Before her injury this season, Sa’Myah averaged 11.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, shooting with a field goal percentage of 66%.

Notably, the team’s starting lineup includes Hailey Van Lith, Aneesah Morrow, Flau’jae Johnson, Angel Reese, and Mikaylah Williams. This line-up has played an incredible role in keeping last year’s national champion on top.

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Now, let’s shift our focus to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The rolling Alabama Crimson Tide

Rising above after a recent 77-59 loss to Arkansas, Alabama has a record of 15 wins and 4 losses overall, and 2-2 in the Southeastern Conference. Some of its key players include senior guard Loyal McQueen who has been averaging 9.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, shooting with a field goal percentage of 42.6%.

Next up in line is the veteran and senior guard Sarah Ashlee Barker, who has been averaging 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, shooting with a field goal percentage of 53.3%. Along with these two, there are other significant players on Alabama’s roster namely, Reychel Douglas, JeAnna Cunningham, and Essence Cody, who are making significant contributions to the Crimson Tide roster.

In addition, the Crimson Tide’s starting lineup consists of the same order – Loyal McQueen, Sarah Ashlee Barker, Reychel Douglas, JeAnna Cuningham, and Essence Cody.

However, the team has been going through some injuries. Notably, Crimson Tide’s two leading scorers Brittany Davis and Megan Abrams faced injuries at the same time in a win against Auburn. It was the fourth quarter of the game when Davis landed on her right ankle, while Abrams had already left the game post-first quarter itself and was seen using crutches post-game. On the other hand, guard JaMya Mingo-Young has been missing the last three games due to personal reasons.

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With that much turbulence going on internally with these teams, winning is the most crucial factor that is left for the two to move forward with their heads held up high.