LSU Women’s Basketball Faces NC State in a Thrilling Sweet 16 Battle

The women’s NCAA basketball tournament is heating up as the Sweet 16 round brings us a blockbuster matchup between LSU women’s basketball and NC State women’s basketball. This LSU vs. NC State clash, part of the March Madness women’s tournament, tipped off last night at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament. Here’s the latest on this high-stakes showdown between LSU WBB and NC State.

First Half Recap: A Tight Contest in Spokane

The game kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET (5:00 a.m. IST) on March 28, and as of the latest updates, the first half has been a nail-biter. According to posts on X, LSU leads NC State 50-49 at halftime, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. LSU WBB, known for its high-scoring trio of Flau’Jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, and Mikaylah Williams, combined for 99 points in the first half alongside NC State—a mark that ties for the sixth-highest scoring half in women’s NCAA tournament history. Johnson has been aggressive, attacking the basket and leading LSU with 12 points, while NC State’s Aziaha James has kept the Wolfpack in the game with 15 points, including three 3-pointers.

The pace has been relentless, with LSU capitalizing on fast breaks to score 14 points in transition. However, NC State women’s basketball has answered with sharp shooting, hitting 50% of their three-point attempts in the half. The Wolfpack’s Saniya Rivers has been a facilitator, dishing out 6 assists, but LSU’s defense has forced 8 turnovers, which could prove costly for NC State if the trend continues.

The Stakes: A Spot in the Elite Eight

This LSU vs. NC State matchup is a rematch from earlier this season, when LSU defeated NC State 82-65 in a Bahamas tournament championship on November 27, 2024. That game saw LSU dominate the boards, outrebounding NC State by 20, a stat the Wolfpack have worked to address since. Now, in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA basketball tournament, both teams are vying for a spot in the Elite Eight, where they’ll face the winner of UCLA vs. Ole Miss.

LSU, the No. 3 seed with a 30-5 record, is coming off a dominant 101-71 win over Florida State in the second round, where they set a program record for points in an NCAA tournament game. NC State, the No. 2 seed at 28-6, crushed Michigan State 83-49, making a season-high 15 three-pointers. Both teams have recent Final Four experience—LSU as the 2023 national champions and NC State reaching the semifinals last year—making this a clash of March Madness women’s heavyweights.

Key Matchups to Watch

The game pits two of the most dynamic backcourts in women’s NCAA basketball against each other. LSU’s Johnson, averaging 20 points per game in the tournament, is a scoring machine, but she’ll face a tough test from NC State’s Rivers, who plays a free safety-style defense and has been a shot-blocking threat. NC State’s Madison Hayes, their leading rebounder at 7.3 per game, will need to hold her own against LSU’s Aneesah Morrow, who had 15 rebounds in their earlier meeting this season.

LSU’s fast-paced style—they average 85 points per game—has been a challenge for opponents, but NC State has the speed to match them. The Wolfpack’s four-guard offense, led by Rivers and James, can score in bunches, as seen in their 50% three-point shooting in the first half. However, LSU’s ability to force turnovers (they rank among the top in the nation) could disrupt NC State’s rhythm if the Wolfpack don’t take better care of the ball.

How to Catch the Action

For fans looking to follow the game, the LSU vs. NC State matchup is being broadcast live on ESPN. Streaming options include March Madness Live with a cable login, or Fubo, which offers a free trial and carries ESPN. The winner of this game will advance to the Elite Eight, with a chance to move one step closer to the Final Four in Tampa, Florida, on April 4.

What’s Next for LSU WBB and NC State?

This game is a defining moment for both programs. A win for LSU WBB would mark their third straight Elite Eight appearance under coach Kim Mulkey, keeping their hopes alive for another national title. For NC State, a victory would be their second consecutive Elite Eight trip, building on last year’s Final Four run and proving they’re a legitimate contender in the March Madness women’s tournament.

As the second half unfolds, all eyes are on Spokane Arena to see which team will emerge victorious in this epic LSU vs. NC State battle. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling women’s NCAA basketball showdown!