The 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament Schedule: LSU’s Path to a Title

As the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament approaches, teams from across the Southeastern Conference (SEC) are gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the collegiate basketball calendar. For the LSU Tigers, who have a proud and storied history in women’s basketball, the tournament represents a significant opportunity to not only secure a championship but also continue building on their status as one of the premier programs in college basketball.

Under head coach Kim Mulkey, who took over the program in 2021, LSU has become a powerhouse, consistently competing for titles in the SEC and beyond. With a roster full of talented players, the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament could be the culmination of hard work, skill, and strategic planning, positioning LSU for a potential title. This article will break down LSU’s path to the championship in the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, examining their schedule, key matchups, and the keys to success as the Tigers aim to capture their first SEC Tournament title since 2014.

1. Understanding the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament Format

Before diving into LSU’s potential path to the title, it’s essential to understand the structure of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. The tournament typically features 14 teams from across the SEC, with the top 12 teams in the conference standings earning automatic bids. The tournament is single-elimination, meaning each game is do-or-die, and teams must win every round to be crowned champion.

The format of the tournament ensures that every game is significant and high stakes, as even a single loss can end a team’s championship hopes. The tournament typically takes place in early March, with the games hosted in various cities across the SEC. In 2025, the tournament will be held in Greenville, South Carolina, providing a neutral site for the competing teams.

For LSU, the road to the title begins with securing a favorable seed, which depends on their regular season performance. The higher the seed, the easier the path to the final. The tournament runs through the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship game, each round offering the Tigers a chance to prove their worth and continue their march toward the title.

2. LSU’s Path to the SEC Tournament Title

Regular Season Performance and Seed Positioning

LSU’s performance during the regular season plays a critical role in determining their seed for the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. Based on their 2024-2025 performance, LSU will either secure a top seed or be placed lower down the bracket, facing tougher matchups in the early rounds. However, even a lower seed cannot be counted out entirely, as teams like LSU have proven they can make a deep run from any position.

Heading into the tournament, LSU has established itself as one of the premier teams in the SEC, thanks to standout players like Angel Reese, Alexis Morris, and Flau’jae Johnson. Angel Reese, a dynamic forward, has been a key player for the Tigers, dominating in both scoring and rebounding. Meanwhile, Alexis Morris, a veteran guard, has been the floor general, providing leadership and consistency for the Tigers. The team’s overall depth, from their frontline strength to backcourt play, gives LSU the tools to make a serious run at the SEC title.

The higher LSU’s seed heading into the tournament, the more manageable their path will be, as they’ll face lower-seeded teams earlier in the tournament, which often means they have a better chance to advance to the later rounds.

First Round: A Crucial Opener

The first round of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament is typically where lower-seeded teams battle to stay alive, while the higher-seeded teams receive a bye and enter the competition in the quarterfinals. Depending on LSU’s regular-season performance, they may either receive a first-round bye or need to play an opening-round game.

If LSU is seeded highly enough to bypass the first round, they will enter the quarterfinals fresh and well-rested. If, however, they find themselves facing an opponent in the first round, the Tigers will need to quickly regroup and handle their business. The first-round game, though lower-stakes, is still essential. LSU has faced tougher competition in the regular season, and their focus will be on executing their game plan, using their superior talent, and making sure they avoid early-round upsets that could derail their tournament aspirations.

Quarterfinals: Set the Tone

In the quarterfinals, LSU’s experience, talent, and depth will be put to the test. By this point, the Tigers will likely face a team coming off an emotional and high-energy first-round win, so LSU must be ready to match that intensity. LSU’s key players must be at their best, especially in the crucial early stages of the tournament.

LSU’s offensive game plan will revolve around creating mismatches for the opposition, particularly by feeding the ball to Angel Reese in the post and spreading the floor with sharp shooters like Alexis Morris. Their defense will also be critical, as they have consistently been one of the most tenacious teams in the SEC. The Tigers’ ability to lock down defensively and limit second-chance opportunities will play a pivotal role in their success.

The quarterfinals are often where championship contenders begin to distinguish themselves. LSU’s ability to win a close game or close out a strong opponent in this round will be a defining moment for their tournament hopes.

Semifinals: The Pressure Builds

Once LSU reaches the semifinals, the stakes increase exponentially. At this point, the Tigers will be only two wins away from a championship, and the pressure to perform will be immense. Historically, LSU has thrived in high-pressure situations, and their seasoned players like Morris, who have been through intense competition, will be invaluable in leading the charge.

The semifinal matchup could see LSU face one of their biggest rivals in the SEC, such as South Carolina or Tennessee, both of which have been formidable competitors in recent years. The SEC is known for its physical play and deep talent pool, so the semifinal matchup will be a true test of LSU’s ability to execute under duress. LSU’s ability to remain calm, composed, and disciplined will be key to advancing to the final.

For LSU to succeed in the semifinals, they’ll need to remain balanced in their attack, not over-relying on one player but instead showcasing the strengths of their entire roster. The team’s ability to lock down defensively while maintaining their offensive fluidity will be crucial.

Championship Game: The Ultimate Test

The championship game represents the pinnacle of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, where the winner earns not only the conference title but also a significant boost to their seeding for the NCAA Tournament. LSU’s championship aspirations will culminate in this high-stakes game.

In the title game, LSU will almost certainly face a formidable opponent, whether it’s a team they’ve already met during the regular season or a surprise challenger who’s made a deep run. To emerge victorious, LSU will need to execute their game plan flawlessly, ensuring that their offense runs smoothly and their defense remains impenetrable. Key players like Angel Reese and Alexis Morris must step up and lead both emotionally and physically, while others like Flau’jae Johnson will need to contribute to the scoring effort.

The championship game could very well be a battle of wills, with the two teams jockeying for dominance in front of a passionate crowd. LSU’s ability to manage the pressure of the moment, stay disciplined, and control the game’s tempo will ultimately determine their success. A well-executed strategy, combined with individual brilliance, will give LSU their best shot at the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament title.

3. Key Factors for LSU’s Success in the Tournament

1. Strong Leadership and Experience

Leadership from veterans like Alexis Morris and Angel Reese will be critical. These players have the experience and know-how to guide LSU through tough tournament games. Their ability to perform under pressure will provide stability for the team, especially in close, high-intensity moments.

2. Dominant Inside Play

LSU’s strength lies in their ability to dominate the paint, particularly with Angel Reese’s rebounding and scoring abilities. Controlling the glass and dominating in the post will be crucial to LSU’s success. The Tigers will need to exploit this advantage against smaller or less physically dominant teams to set the tone early in each game.

3. Defensive Tenacity

LSU’s defense is one of its most formidable weapons. The Tigers’ ability to lock down their opponents, limit second-chance points, and force turnovers will be key throughout the tournament. They’ll need to stay aggressive on defense and make sure to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm, forcing them into uncomfortable situations.

4. Depth and Balance

While Angel Reese and Alexis Morris are undoubtedly the stars of the team, LSU’s depth will be a major factor in the tournament. Players like Flau’jae Johnson and LaDazhia Williams need to provide scoring and contribute in all areas, whether that’s on the boards, in transition, or as a defensive presence. LSU’s balance and ability to rely on a full roster will be essential for sustaining long runs in the tournament.

 The Road to Victory

LSU’s path to the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament title is filled with excitement, challenges, and potential. From the first-round matchups to the high-stakes championship game, the Tigers will need to showcase their full potential to bring home the trophy. Under the guidance of Kim Mulkey, LSU has become a team that combines skill, depth, and leadership, and their performance in the tournament will determine whether they can cement their place as the best team in the SEC.

As the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament unfolds, LSU will be a team to watch closely. With a solid strategy, great leadership, and a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans, the Tigers will be prepared to battle for the championship. If LSU can execute their game plan, control the tempo, and perform in clutch moments, they will be well on their way to capturing their first SEC Tournament title in over a decade.