BALTIMORE — Angel Reese scored 26 factors in a victorious return to her hometown, and No. 7 LSU beat Coppin State 80-48 on Wednesday evening.
Reese, who was a highschool star in Baltimore at St. Frances Academy, performed two seasons at Maryland earlier than transferring to LSU and successful a nationwide title final season. She dominated the early going because the Tigers (12-1) took management and by no means actually relinquished it.
“I knew that people were going to come out and support. They love me here, right or wrong, up and down,” Reese stated. “Baltimore has always had my back.”
LSU hasn’t misplaced since a season-opening defeat in opposition to Colorado. Reese returned in late November from a much-publicized four-game absence, however the Tigers are actually with out star guard Hailey Van Lith, who has handled foot points. She missed her fourth straight sport.
LSU nonetheless had greater than sufficient at hand Coppin State (3-10) its seventh consecutive loss.
At 6-foot-3, Reese was not less than 2 inches taller than each participant on Coppin State’s roster. She completed with six rebounds and 5 steals along with her game-high scoring whole. Flau’jae Johnson added 18 factors for the Tigers.
Tiffany Hammond scored 21 factors for Coppin State, making seven 3-pointers. The undersized Eagles saved the sport decently aggressive for some time. Coppin State trailed 28-20 when Last-Tear Poa made a 3-pointer that began a 10-0 run for LSU.
It was 40-26 on the half.
“Obviously, you want to win, but it’s the No. 7 team in the country,” Coppin State coach Jermaine Woods stated. “I was proud of the fight. I think all you left out of here and said that our young women never quit.”
BIG PICTURE
LSU: The Tigers aren’t at full power, as evidenced by the truth that all 5 starters performed over half-hour. LSU’s measurement benefit was apparent, although. The Tigers outscored Coppin State 52-12 within the paint.
Coppin State: A sport like this was a terrific alternative for the Eagles, however the consequence was as anticipated. Coppin State does have a win over an ACC college this season – at Pittsburgh final month – however taking up the defending nationwide champion was one other matter.
PACKED HOUSE
Attendance at PEC Arena was 4,100, the power’s first sellout for a Coppin State sporting occasion because the venue opened in 2009.
NO INCIDENT
Timothy Greene was one of many officers for Wednesday’s sport. He was the ref who ejected Mulkey on Sunday evening in opposition to Northwestern State. This sport was a lot much less contentious.
“Did y’all know that guy tonight? He tossed me the last game,” Mulkey stated. “He did the right thing though. I love Tim. He’s a good referee.”
UP NEXT
LSU: Hosts Jacksonville on Dec. 30.
Coppin State: At Duke on Dec. 28.
