Andraya Carter criticizes Angel Reese's decision-making after rough first half vs. Middle Tennessee

Despite entering Sunday’s game as a double-digit favorite, LSU found itself trailing at halftime against Middle Tennessee State in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Raiders took a 36-32 lead into the break, bringing plenty of momentum during the Round of 32 matchup.

At halftime, the ESPN panel of Andraya Carter and Rebecca Lobo broke down what might’ve gone wrong for the Tigers. Carter pointed out opportunities Middle Tennessee had through the first two quarters, and how LSU’s offense started to get out in front of its skis a bit as the Tigers needed to rally.

To Carter, one of the players who needed to improve in the second half was Angel Reese.

“MTSU has gotten energy from the defensive stops that they’re able to get, but they’re also not having to work very long on the defensive end on the floor. So they have the energy to run on the offensive end,” Carter said. “LSU has to make better decisions offensively. And Angel Reese – 3-of-10 from the field. I know they’re being physical with her, but she’s not making good decisions. She comes down the court, full court, misses the layup. Then, what happens on the next possession? She comes down, and instead of kicking it out, she takes a layup with two defenders around her.

“Those types of decisions – and then, she settles for a jump shot the third possession down the floor that they wanted her to take. Those types of decisions, she’s playing right into MTSU’s hands.”

Lobo also pointed out the way Middle Tennessee State was carrying itself through the first half, especially getting transition baskets. The Blue Raiders didn’t shy away from the moment when they trailed, she said, and she thought their ability to stay the course helped them get out in front.

“You completely contrast that with Middle Tennessee’s poise and decision-making,” Lobo said. “Because they have been outstanding doing both – not only getting out when they can in transition, taking good shots there, but we talked about it in The Pop. Their defensive transition, LSU only has two fast-break points in this game. You would think they would be able to get out a little bit more.

“The first quarter, I thought LSU’s defense was really good, in particular on the perimeter, keeping Middle Tennessee kind of out of the paint a little bit more. Nobody got rattled, they didn’t get sped up. Middle Tennessee has been playing at their pace. You can tell this is a veteran team in a really, really tough environment exhaling and just playing their game.”