Takeaways from LSU WBB's exhibition win on Thursday night

LSU defeated Xavier Louisiana 114-53 on Thursday night in the PMAC, getting to show off their new squad to LSU fans for the first time this year. The Tigers were without Mikaylah Williams, Sa’Myah Smith, and Last-tear Poa, limiting their availability but still put on a show and played everyone.

Here are my takeaways from the performance and what it means for LSU moving forward this year.

Flau’Jae and Aneesah are ready for more

There’s a reason these two are considered two of the best players in the SEC and two potential All-Americans and i thought they were exceptional. their body control, touch around the rim, and versatility is on display everytime they’re on the floor. Flau’Jae Johnson shot the ball extremely well which really rounds out her game. Aneesah Morrow is a monster on the glass and is relentless with her effort. This isn’t breaking news, but they are going to be the best two players on this team and dominate games.

Mjracle Sheppard is an awesome

In a game where the defense struggled, Sheppard’s energy and activity was unmatched, ending the game with six steals and even more deflections while getting into the face of the ball handler repeatedly. She can pick up full court. She’s versatile, long, knows her role, and will be a contributor this season with her defense alone. I don’t think there’s a ton of upside offensively right now, but as a slasher and smart cutter she can find ways to be productive on that end.

I still have concerns at center

Sa’Myah Smith is a full go right now in practices, but Kim Mulkey and the staff continue to take their time working her back from the ACL injury she suffered last year, so she did not play on Thursday. Instead, it was a lot of Aalyah Del Rosario and Jersey Wolfenbarger at the five and it was a mixed bag.

Wolfenbarger is clearly talented, but only grabbed three rebounds and still struggles with the physicality and playing in this style. Del Rosario is not in playing shape right now coming off of a second ankle surgery in two years and missing most of the offseason. Both had their struggles finishing around the rim and will need to develop significantly in the next two months. Fortunately, they have the talent to do so.

There is a battle for minutes in LSU’s backcourt

Flau’Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams will hold down two of the guard positions for 30+ minutes per game this year, but who gets on the court next to them? Day-Wilson should be the starter and get 20+ minutes per contest, but then you have freshman Jada Richard, transfer Kailyn Gilbert, Miracle Sheppard, and Last-Tear Poa once she returns. That’s a lot of depth and versatility, but some people are going to get left out once conference play comes around. Right now, I’d have Sheppard and Richard as the first two guards off the bench, but we’ll see how it all shakes out because I still think Gilbert and Poa can be winning players.

LSU’s defense has a lot of work ahead

The most annoying thing about these exhibition games is the up and down intensity levels that come with playing a team this bad. The third quarter is flat out unacceptable, getting outscored 23-21 by an NAIA program should never ever happen. Xavier ended the game shooting 34 percent from the field and got to the free throw line 21 times. 

These weren’t lucky shots, either. LSU was giving up straight line drives or blowing defensive coverages repeatedly. It’s an exhibition game, yes, but with all of the new faces it’s going to take some time for this team to lock in on defense. The talent on the perimeter is there with Johnson, Sheppard, Shayeann Day-Wilson, and others, but that will be Mulkey’s emphasis in the coming weeks.