The LSU Tigers faced a setback with their recent loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks, but their standing as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament projections remains intact. Despite the sting of defeat, the Tigers didn't see any movement in their tournament outlook, thanks to a solid performance that kept the game competitive until the end.
ESPN's Charlie Creme, a trusted source for Women's Bracketology, confirms that LSU holds steady as a No. 2 seed. This consistency is impressive, considering the Tigers have only slipped from this spot once all season, following a shaky start to their SEC campaign.
The close contest against South Carolina, ending with a seven-point difference, highlighted LSU's resilience. However, their 3-4 record against Top 25 teams signals room for improvement as they prepare for the tournament. With two more ranked opponents on the horizon and the SEC tournament ahead, the Tigers have opportunities to solidify their seeding.
Under Kim Mulkey's leadership, this would mark the first time LSU enters the tournament higher than a No. 3 seed. If projections hold, the Tigers would face the High Point Panthers initially, with a potential second-round clash against either Notre Dame or Princeton.
While this year's team might lack the star power of Angel Reese or Aneesah Morrow, players like Flau'jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams have the talent to lead LSU deep into the tournament. Consistency from these key players is crucial, as demonstrated in the South Carolina game where offensive struggles were evident.
Regardless of how the season unfolds, Mulkey is set to guide LSU to their fifth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance, a streak reminiscent of their success from 1999 to 2010. Key matchups against Ole Miss and Tennessee loom large, with the Tigers needing to win all remaining games to cement their No. 2 seed status. The road ahead is challenging, but LSU's potential to make a significant impact in the tournament is undeniable.