Five takeaways from LSU women’s basketball’s win over Virginia Tech

In front of a packed PMAC, LSU women’s basketball picked up a massive nonconference win on Thursday night.

Hosting No. 9 Virginia Tech, LSU got its first real test since losing the season opener to Colorado, and the Tigers passed it with flying colors.

It was a rematch of last year’s Final Four, with many of the same players on the court.

The story entering the night was Angel Reese making her return after she had been out for undisclosed reasons.

LSU now gets some time off, not back in action until Dec. 10. But first, here are five takeaways from LSU’s big win.

LSU overcomes slow start

In the early minutes, it looked like a repeat of the Colorado game.

LSU was struggling to sink shots and was getting outplayed by a good team. But in the second quarter, it turned around.

Entering the quarter down seven, LSU erased the deficit, holding the Hokies to just nine points in the second period.

It was a strong first half for Aneesah Morrow, who totaled 11 points and nine rebounds.

Angel Reese makes her return

LSU got its premier front court player back on Thursday night.

Reese, like the rest of the team, got off to a slow start, but eventually found her groove.

Much was made of Reese’s absence, but LSU will look to put it in the rearview mirror and build around its star.

LSU has plenty of depth and no lack of scoring threats, but Reese is the engine that makes this team go. When she’s’ rolling, LSU is rolling.

Mikaylah Williams continues to impress

Mikaylah Williams has been a revelation for LSU thus far.

After being one of the few bright spots against Colorado and then dropping 42 against Kent State, Williams isn’t slowing down.

The true freshmen looks to be a critical piece of LSU’s attack, scoring in the double-digits again and helping kickstart LSU’s run.

LSU adds to its resume

Its early in the year, but these big games against nonconference opponents matter on selection Sunday.

After the loss to Colorado, there were questions about whether this team was ready to compete. Those concerns should be quieted after a emphatic win over another national title contender.

Kim Mulkey teams don’t always get tested like this early in the year, but the Tigers proved they were ready on Thursday night.

LSU won’t be tested again until SEC play begins in the new year.

Defense comes to play

LSU’s defense offered up one of its stronger performances of the year on Thursday night.

Virginia Tech couldn’t find a rhythm on offense, with the Hokies’ turnovers doubling their assists.

Mulkey said before the year that she knew this team could score, but it was the defensive play that would determine her rotation.

LSU held Virginia Tech to under 40% from the field on Thursday night, while defending the Hokies from deep too.

Story originally appeared on LSU Tigers Wire