For the first time ever, the LSU Lady Tigers will play for the national championship. The two-year turnaround has been hard to believe for even the most fervent followers of the sport, as LSU has been underrated by national pundits all year. I continue to see major publications discredit LSU even in attempts to praise them. A major publication recently described Iowa as “more consistent.” That’s not impossible, but it doesn’t get much more consistent than losing only two games all year. Regardless, Kim Mulkey has done an unbelievable job of not only recruiting but turning an assembly of talent into a cohesive team. This team could be facing its biggest challenge yet against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark averages 27.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Though she’s gained a reputation for her shooting prowess, she is much more than a shooter. Clark employs an all-around, Oscar Robertson type of game. Iowa also has a talented inside presence with 6’3″ Monika Czinano. Czinano’s 17 points per game is impressive, but the 68% field goal percentage is even more impressive. If she gets to her spots, it’s probably going in. McKenna Warnock is a 6’1″ forward who shoots a higher percentage than Clark from three-point range. This is a very talented and well coached team.

When LSU is at its best, it starts at the defensive end. The fourth quarter run to gain control of the semifinal game against Virginia Tech was fueled by defense. That ugly rock fight of a game against Miami? Yeah, can’t thank the offense for that win. Against Iowa, it’s better to accept that Caitlin Clark will get hers and try to keep the role players in check. When she gets everyone involved, they’re almost impossible to beat. I would expect plenty of man-to-man defense against these shooters and never going under screens.

Offensively, LSU probably got a better matchup than South Carolina presents. USC’s Aliyah Boston was one of the only players to slow Angel Reese down, but the environment was as much of a factor in that game as the personnel was. Reese’s quickness and creativity around the rim has been hard to stop, as evidenced by her 33 double doubles this season. Alexis Morris has shown the ability to create her shot at will, and the Tigers are a different team when Morris is aggressive. When the defense sags off perimeter shooters and collapses on Reese, LaDazhia Williams is the X-factor. Williams has quietly played as consistently as any player lately. She does not get out of control. She does not attempt to go beyond her role. She consistently hits the 12-15 ft jumper and finishes well in the post.

It’s obvious that LSU is ahead of schedule as a program. This year has gone beyond even the biggest fanatics’ expectations. This year would be considered a success by any standard, but why stop there? This team is fully capable of beating Iowa and winning the national championship. LSU is an aptly amassed gumbo of transfers from all over who shared a belief in Kim Mulkey that was obviously warranted. LSU 73 – Iowa 67. Geaux Tigers!!