LSU Tigers vs. UCLA Bruins Box Score & Game Analysis
March 30, 2025 | NCAA Women’s Sweet 16 | MVP Arena, Albany, NY
By [Your Name] – The Athletic
Final Score: LSU 78, UCLA 69
In a game loaded with future WNBA talent, postseason experience, and program-defining ambition, the LSU Tigers pulled away from the UCLA Bruins in the final minutes to earn a 78–69 Sweet 16 victory and advance to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year under head coach Kim Mulkey.
Behind a near-flawless performance from Aneesah Morrow and clutch shot-making from Flau’jae Johnson and Hailey Van Lith, the Tigers imposed their will in the second half, using defensive pressure and rebounding dominance to overcome a relentless Bruins squad.
Team Stats
| Statistic | LSU Tigers | UCLA Bruins |
|---|---|---|
| FG % | 44.6% (29-65) | 42.1% (27-64) |
| 3PT % | 31.6% (6-19) | 28.0% (7-25) |
| FT % | 77.3% (17-22) | 66.7% (8-12) |
| Rebounds | 44 | 34 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 16 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Points in the Paint | 40 | 28 |
| Second-Chance Pts | 18 | 10 |
| Fast-Break Pts | 10 | 6 |
| Bench Points | 13 | 12 |
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
| Quarter | LSU | UCLA |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 20 | 18 |
| 2nd | 18 | 19 |
| 3rd | 21 | 15 |
| 4th | 19 | 17 |
| Final | 78 | 69 |
Individual Player Box Scores – LSU
| Player | MIN | FG-A | 3P-A | FT-A | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aneesah Morrow | 38 | 11-18 | 2-4 | 4-5 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 28 |
| Flau’jae Johnson | 36 | 7-14 | 1-3 | 3-4 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 18 |
| Hailey Van Lith | 34 | 4-11 | 2-5 | 4-4 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 14 |
| Aalyah Del Rosario | 24 | 3-6 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 8 |
| Mikaylah Williams | 27 | 2-7 | 1-4 | 2-2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| Sa’Myah Smith | 12 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 2-3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Jasmine Carson | 9 | 1-2 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| TOTALS | 29-65 | 6-19 | 17-22 | 44 | 15 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 78 |
Individual Player Box Scores – UCLA
| Player | MIN | FG-A | 3P-A | FT-A | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiki Rice | 37 | 8-18 | 2-7 | 1-2 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 19 |
| Charisma Osborne | 36 | 6-13 | 2-6 | 0-0 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 14 |
| Lauren Betts | 28 | 5-9 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 |
| Londynn Jones | 24 | 4-11 | 3-8 | 0-1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| Gabriela Jaquez | 25 | 2-5 | 0-2 | 3-4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| Angela Dugalić | 14 | 1-4 | 0-1 | 2-3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| TOTALS | 27-64 | 7-25 | 8-12 | 34 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 15 | 69 |
Turning Point: LSU’s 8–0 Run to Open the Fourth
After leading 59–52 at the end of the third quarter, LSU opened the final period with an 8–0 run, sparked by a fast-break three from Van Lith and two buckets by Morrow, who bullied her way into the paint and converted through contact. That run extended the lead to 67–52 with just under seven minutes left — the largest margin of the game.
Though UCLA clawed back to within six with under three minutes to play, LSU’s free throw shooting down the stretch (8-of-8 in the final two minutes) sealed the victory.
Coaches’ Corner
Kim Mulkey (LSU Head Coach)
“We knew UCLA was going to come at us with everything. That’s a great basketball team, and it took every ounce of fight to beat them. But we have a star in Aneesah Morrow, and when she’s locked in like that, we’re tough to beat. Our defense down the stretch made the difference. Rebounding and effort — that’s what wins in March.”
Cori Close (UCLA Head Coach)
“We fought hard. We didn’t execute in key stretches, and LSU capitalized. Credit to Morrow — she dominated in every area. We had a great season, but this one stings.”
Player Grades – LSU
-
Aneesah Morrow: A+
Completely took over the game in stretches. Balanced physicality with finesse, was a force on the glass, and delivered when it mattered. A true March Madness MVP performance. -
Flau’jae Johnson: A
Hit timely shots, defended well, and brought her usual energy. Steady and confident — just what LSU needed. -
Hailey Van Lith: B+
Efficient from the free-throw line and hit two clutch threes. Struggled at times with decision-making but came through in the fourth. -
Aalyah Del Rosario: B
Held her ground against Betts and cleaned up the glass. Still developing offensively, but her defense was key. -
Mikaylah Williams: B-
Solid effort but struggled to find her rhythm shooting. Active defensively and rebounded well.
Key Matchup: Morrow vs. Betts
The battle between Aneesah Morrow and Lauren Betts was billed as a clash of titans — and while Betts held her own with 12 points and 9 boards, Morrow was simply on another level. She spaced the floor better, ran in transition, and forced Betts into foul trouble midway through the third quarter. That shift allowed LSU to control the glass late.
What This Means: LSU Eyes Final Four Return
The win sends LSU back to the Elite Eight, where they’ll face NC State in a battle between two physical, battle-tested squads. With Morrow playing at an All-American level, and Mulkey dialing up playoff-caliber defense, the Tigers are one win away from another Final Four — and possibly a rematch with Iowa looming beyond.
Quotable: Aneesah Morrow
“I came to LSU to compete on this stage — to win in March. I knew Coach Mulkey would get me ready. My teammates trust me, and I trust them. This is just the beginning.”
When March rolls around, it’s not just about talent — it’s about toughness. LSU showed both against UCLA. In a game of high stakes and high tension, the Tigers imposed their will with rebounding, defensive grit, and clutch scoring. And with Aneesah Morrow turning in one of the most dominant postseason performances of the tournament so far, LSU isn’t just surviving — they’re thriving.
The road to Cleveland just got one step shorter.
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