Key observations from No. 1 LSU women's basketball's exhibition win over ETBU
Thursday night's exhibition game was about evaluation for Kim Mulkey and LSU women's basketball. Matching up with East Texas Baptist, the Tigers coach has said that she aimed to see what each of her newcomers can bring to the table.
No. 1 LSU, the reigning NCAA champions disposed of ETBU, 99-26, inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The Tigers are scheduled to open the season Nov. 6 against No. 20 Colorado in the Hall of Fame Classic in Las Vegas.
For the first time star Angel Reese, Flau'jae Johnson, Hailey Van Lith and Aneesah Morrow shared the court. Here are some observations from the scrimmage.
What we saw when Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith, Flau'jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow were on the court together for LSU women's basketball
We only saw the presumed starting five for LSU play with each other for roughly four minutes to open the third quarter and there were growing pains. Turnovers cropped up with that group on the floor and they struggled at the rim.
The biggest thing was they played fast, pushing after every missed shot or steal.
This could be LSU's approach as they pushed the tempo some last season and are further built to run with Van Lith and freshman guard Mikaylah Williams. Reese, Morrow and Johnson all have the ability to bring the ball up the floor.
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Still waiting to see Angel's midrange game
Albeit it's East Texas Baptist and you take what the defense gives you. And there's next to zero mysteries about Angel Reese's game now.
But there's one out there and that's her midrange game. She has talked this offseason and preseason about being in the lab working on her craft. It would've been interesting to see her progress in that facet of her game.
Despite her not revealing that, Reese had a solid exhibition performance with 17 points and seven boards.
Flau'jae Johnson coming into her own, playing far more comfortable
No hesitation. More confidence on both ends of the floor. In her first six minutes, she had seven points, a 3-pointer, a pair of blocks and two steals. Johnson finished with 14 points and filled the stat sheet, as well.
Tigers fans should see a different Flau'jae Johnson for her sophomore campaign.
While she may improve her standing in terms of where she finishes on the team in scoring, rebounding or steals, Johnson’s presence and play will have a greater, more consistent impact on outcomes of games for LSU.
Johnson ended with 18 points.
Newcomers Kim Mulkey could see carving our roles for themselves
Early in the third quarter, Janae Kent spelled Mikaylah Williams for the most likely starting lineup for Mulkey with Van Lith, Reese, Morrow and Johnson out on the court.
Kent opened the game by scoring five points in the opening period. She displayed her outside shot and had some nice defensive moments.
What about Angelica Velez? She didn't start the game at point guard — as Van Lith is a newcomer — but she subbed in halfway through the third quarter. True point guard depth is a tad shaky and Velez's development will be needed for LSU.
Freshman center Aalyah Del Rosatio made perhaps the prettiest basket on the night with her left-handed sky-hook in the first quarter. Del Rosario will get playing time this season as the team needs her size (6-6).
Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU/UL athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Observations from LSU women's basketball's exhibition win over ETBU
