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The LSU Tigers are in red-hot form after their humiliating first-game defeat. The reigning national champions were looking for their sixth consecutive win against Niagara in the Cayman Islands Classic. For the third time in the last three games, the All-American forward Angel Reese was excluded from Kim Mulkey’s starting line-up.

However, the NCAA champions came out all guns blazing as they secured a resounding 99-65 victory over the Purple Eagles. The No.7 seed LSU was in total control from start to finish.

The LSU Tigers start with a bang

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The John Gray Gymnasium witnessed a delayed start to the game following a false fire alarm. Nonetheless, the Lady Tigers set the court on fire with their explosive exhibition. They started the game in commanding fashion having an early lead on Niagara in the first quarter. Unfortunately, the sophomore forward Sa’myah Smith fell awkwardly and was taken off the court in the opening minutes. Despite the setback, LSU continued with their rhythm and ended the first quarter leading Niagara 29-14. The No.12 guard Mikaylah Williams leading the scoring chart with 10 points.

The Lady Tigers carried on their momentum in the second quarter. Kim Mulkey’s latest addition to LSU, Aneesah Morrow joined the party as she added 12 points to her name. Moreover, the Lady Tigers scored 32 points in the second quarter and extended the gap to 33 points before half-time. As a result, LSU was sitting pretty on 60-27 before the half-time whistle.LSU came out firing in the third quarter and gave the Purple Eagles no chance to make a comeback.

Read More- With Angel Reese Still Suspended, Is Hailey Van Lith the Engine of the Team for Kim Mulkey?

Furthermore, Niagara’s defense had no answers as Van Lith and Anessah Morrow took their game to the next level. Both of them had a combined score of 44 points by the end of the third quarter.

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Aneesah Morrow steals the show

The 2022 WBCA Freshman of the Year Annesah Morrow spearheaded LSU’s thumping victory over the Purple Eagles. The dynamic No.24 stepped up in Reese’s absence and scored a double-double on the night. The junior forward ended her night with 28 points along with 10 rebounds to her name. In addition to this, Morrow also secured 2 assists for her team. Also, Mulkey’s other new recruit, Haley Van Lith chipped in with valuable contributions. The 22-year-old guard scored 20 points and had 7 assists.

The LSU Tigers are going from strength to strength with each passing game. However, the absence of Angel Reese is a somewhat troubling sight for the fans. With multiple players stepping up and delivering for Mulkey, Reese’s return still hangs in the balance for the defending champions.

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What do you think about LSU’s performance without Angel Reese? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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