The hype of the top-seed battle so far lived up to expectations. In the first quarter, it was LSU, who scored 13-9 but UCLA came back in the second with their dominating 22-12 run. In fact, their top star did not play in Q2 because of being in foul trouble. The third quarter separated the team by just 1, 15-16, favoring the Tigers. But the thing that did not favor Kim Mulkey and co was the moment when their star Aneesah Morrow hit the ground.

With just one minute left in the third quarter, the senior forward clutched her face and went down. It was when the Bruins star Lauren Betts set a screen against Sa’Myah Smith, whose head snapped back into Morrow’s face. Scary situation for the Tigers as they trailed 41-46 after Q3. Tyler Harden updated the situation on X.

“End of 3rd Quarter: #LSU- 41 #UCLA- 46 Aneesah Morrow left the game with just over a minute left in the third quarter after she and Sa’Myah Smith collided. Looks as if Morrow had a bloody nose. Lauren Betts returned, and scored six points to add to her 12 total points.” Further, it was Holly Rowe who shared that the forward had, in fact suffered a broken nose.  “Per Holly Rowe, Aneesah Morrow has a broken nose.” Good news for the Tigers fan, that did not keep her out of the game.

Despite having a broken nose, the Chicago native not only returned to the bench but also actively played again in the last quarter. Even though she played through the pain, the team could not overcome the top seed UCLA Bruins in a 72-65 thriller.

Aneesah Morrow’s collegiate career ends without a championship

The 22-year-old played the first two seasons for DePaul and then transferred to LSU. In January earlier this year, she surpassed the 2,500 points mark and also recorded her 90th career double-double. The performance was against Tennessee, where the forward contributed with 21 points and 20 rebounds. As the curtains close on her collegiate career, Aneesah Morrow finished second in double-doubles in women’s college basketball history.

The Tigers’ #24 is also the third-best rebounder in NCAA history. With 2,852 points and 1,714 rebounds, she ended her senior season. After the game, even Coach Redus shared a moment with his star forward who gave her all. A broken nose did not deter her will to perform and help the team. It was Flau’jae Johnson who scored a game high of 28 points with 10/17 FGs. Aneesah Morrow dropped 15 points and 7 rebounds to cap off her final night.

The match was tough from the get-go, as Kim Mulkey’s team entered the game as underdogs. Lauren Betts would score 17 points, and contributed on defensive end as well with a total 7 rebounds and 6 blocks. Supporting her were Gabriel Jaquez & Timea Gardiner, who combined for 33 points, and nine made 3’s.