Unraveling the Struggles and Hopes of Northeastern Women's Basketball
Quarter 1: A Tight Battle with the Wildcats
In the opening quarter, Northeastern (0-3, 0-0 CAA) faced a tough opponent in the University of New Hampshire Wildcats (4-1, 0-0 America East). The Wildcats won the tipoff but Northeastern's defense was on point, forcing a shot clock violation and gaining possession. However, a quick foul by Maddie Vizza gave the ball back to the Wildcats, who scored a layup through Lucia Melero Sabat. A turnover by Northeastern put the ball in UNH's hands again, but a block by Taylor Holohan led to a jump ball and Northeastern's possession. Abby Jegede's assist to Holohan for a layup gave the Huskies their first points of the night, tying the game at 2-2. The Wildcats then scored the next points from a layup by Maggie Cavanaugh off a second-chance rebound, but Jegede quickly added two points of her own to bring the score to 4-4. Eva DeChent's layup put UNH in the lead 6-4 before a flurry of turnovers. A foul by Natalie Larrañaga gave possession back to New Hampshire and led to the first media timeout. Quickly out of the timeout, Avery O'Connor got a shot up in the paint to increase the Wildcats' lead to 8-4. Both teams exchanged turnovers until a foul by Belen Morales Lopez sent Yirsy Quéliz to the line. Quéliz missed her first shot but made the second to bring the score to 8-5 UNH with 3:08 left in the quarter. A series of missed shots left the score tied until Sydney Lusher and Jegede exchanged three-pointers. A layup by Clara Gomez for UNH increased the Wildcat lead to 13-8 as the first quarter ended.Quarter 2: A Rampage by the Wildcats
The Wildcats began a rampage in the second quarter, running away from the Huskies. A transition layup by Gomez gave the Wildcats the first points of the quarter before a foul by Sabat sent Asha Parker to the line. After missing her first shot, Parker made the second for Northeastern's only point of the quarter, bringing the score to 15-9 Wildcats. A series of turnovers occurred for both teams until a turnaround jumper by Gomez in the paint started the Wildcats' scoring streak. A costly foul by María Sánchez Pitarch sent DeChent to the line, where she sank both shots to increase the Wildcats' lead to 10 points with just under six minutes left in the quarter. Parker traveled before Quéliz's lockdown defense sent the ball out of bounds. The Huskies had a moment of energy but it was quickly deflated as DeChent was sent to the line and sank both her free throws to bring the score to 21-9 UNH. Quéliz delivered a successful loft pass to Parker in the paint who was fouled going up for the layup. Parker missed both shots from the line before Cavanaugh did the same for UNH. Off of Cavanaugh's missed free throw, Gomez got the offensive rebound and DeChent went up for an uncontested layup to bring the score to 23-9 and force Northeastern to use a timeout. The timeout was not enough as another costly foul sent Sharmela Reid to the line where she sank both to bring the game to 25-9 with 3:57 remaining. DeChent was unstoppable, scoring a layup through contact to give the Wildcats a 27-9 lead. The Huskies suffered from a three-second violation, a foul, and a travel. Pitarch was sent to the line after being fouled by Cavanaugh but missed both shots. A lack of defense led to an open layup for Reid for the last points of the quarter, leaving the Wildcats lead at 29-9.Quarter 3: A Glimmer of Hope
Northeastern started the third quarter with the ball and after turnovers by both teams, successfully scored the first basket. A steal by Bailey Williams got the ball to Holohan for a transition layup. The Wildcats quickly went on a six-point streak, then a missed jumper by Quéliz and a foul by Diana Eliasson ended with the ball back in the Huskies' hands. Abby Jegede's beautiful layup slightly cut the lead for the Wildcats. The Wildcats then added back-to-back layups, forcing the Huskies to use another timeout as the score increased to 39-13 in the last two minutes of the quarter. Quéliz was fouled on the way out of the timeout and made both shots. While UNH quickly answered with a layup, Quéliz drained a three-pointer to bring the score to 41-18.Quarter 4: The Final Stretch
The first points of the fourth quarter were scored off another open layup by DeChent. On the Huskies' fourth foul of the quarter, only two minutes in, Sabat had an and-one to give UNH a 30-point lead. Avery O'Connor added a layup that was quickly answered with a jumper by Quéliz. Pitarch fouled Cavanaugh to put the Wildcats into the bonus only three minutes into the quarter. Cavanaugh missed the first and made the second to make it 51-20. Quéliz struck again with her second three-pointer of the night before two fouls and a turnover by Parker sent Reid to the line for four shots where she made three. The Wildcats led 54-23 into the last media timeout. A costly turnover by Natalie Larrañaga led to a three-pointer by O'Connor. Both Holohan and Aina Roque Sucarrats went to the line and made one basket each before Larrañaga was fouled and made both to bring it to 58-26. The game remained scoreless for two-and-a-half minutes before a three-pointer by Jegede ended the streak with less than a minute left. Jegede struck again with a buzzer beater layup to end the game 58-31 UNH.The Huskies hope to pick up their first win of the season against Harvard (4-1, 0-0 Ivy League) on November 19 in Cambridge. The Huntington News is dedicated to serving the Northeastern University community with original, professional reporting and creating an environment for student journalists to learn from one another. Support an independent, free press at Northeastern University with your donation today.Carrying Defensive Effort into the Next Game
LSU will look to carry that second-half defensive effort into their next game against Troy inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Monday night. The Trojans average 72 points per game and scored 71 at Alabama back on Nov. 10. Opponents have been able to score freely against Troy, which bodes well for LSU, who with Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow and Mikaylah Williams can score in large numbers.LSU's defensive performance in the second half against Murray State was a turning point. It showed their ability to adjust and tighten up when needed. This is crucial as they face Troy, a team that has struggled to defend against opponents. The Tigers need to build on this momentum and continue to play strong defense in the upcoming game.
Kim Mulkey's coaching during the second half was instrumental in the team's comeback. Her ability to motivate the players and get them to focus on defense paid off. Now, the team needs to carry that same intensity and focus into the next game against Troy.
Upcoming Schedule and Opponents
Here's a look at LSU's 2024-25 women's basketball schedule:Monday, Nov. 4: Eastern Kentucky (W 95-44)Friday, Nov. 8: Northwestern State (W 95-36)Tuesday, Nov. 12: Charleston Southern (W 117-44)Friday, Nov. 15: Murray State (W 74-60)Monday, Nov. 18: Troy | 7 p.m. | SEC Network+Wednesday, Nov. 20: Tulane | 7 p.m. | SEC Network+Monday, Nov. 25: Washington | 12:30 p.m. CST | FloCollege (Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship, Nassau, Bahamas)Wednesday, Nov. 27: Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship, Nassau, BahamasSunday, Dec. 1: NC Central | 2 p.m. | SEC Network+Thursday, Dec. 5: Stanford | 8 p.m. | ESPN2 (SEC/ACC Challenge)Sunday, Dec. 8: Grambling | 2 p.m. (Bossier City, La.)Sunday, Dec. 15: Louisiana | 2 p.m. | SEC Network+Tuesday, Dec. 17: Seton Hall | 5 p.m. | FS1 (Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase, Uncasville, Connecticut)Thursday, Dec. 19: at Illinois-Chicago | 7 p.m. | ESPN+Sunday, Dec. 29: Albany | 1 p.m. | SEC Network+Thursday, Jan. 2: at Arkansas | 8 p.m. | SEC NetworkSunday, Jan. 5: Auburn | 3 p.m. | SEC NetworkThursday, Jan. 9: at Tennessee | 5:30 p.m. | SEC Network+Monday, Jan. 13: Vanderbilt | 6 p.m. | SEC NetworkSunday, Jan. 19: at Florida | Noon | SEC NetworkThursday, Jan. 23: at South Carolina | 7 p.m. | ESPNSunday, Jan. 26: Texas A&M | 3 p.m. | SEC NetworkThursday, Jan. 30: Oklahoma | 6 p.m. | ESPN2Sunday, Feb. 2: Mississippi State | 1 p.m. | SEC NetworkThursday, Feb. 6: at Missouri | 6:30 p.m. | SEC Network+Sunday, Feb. 9: Tennessee | 3 p.m. | ESPNSunday, Feb. 16: at Texas | 2 p.m. | ABCThursday, Feb. 20: Georgia | 8 p.m. | SEC NetworkSunday, Feb. 23: at Kentucky | 3 p.m. | ESPNThursday, Feb. 27: at Alabama | 8 p.m. | ESPN or SEC NetworkSunday, March 2: Ole Miss | 3 p.m. | SEC NetworkMarch 5-9: SEC Tournament (Greenville, South Carolina)March 19-April 6: NCAA tournamentKim Mulkey's Impact on the Team
Kim Mulkey's leadership and coaching have been crucial to LSU's success. Her ability to get the best out of her players and make strategic adjustments during the game has been evident. In the game against Murray State, her defensive adjustments in the second half turned the tide and led to the team's victory.She also plays a key role in recruiting, as seen with the 2025 recruiting class. Her ability to attract top talent will help the team continue to improve in the future. With players like Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow and Mikaylah Williams, LSU has a strong core that can compete at a high level.
Overall, Kim Mulkey's impact on LSU women's basketball extends beyond just on-court performance. Her leadership and coaching have helped build a winning culture within the program.
Other Notable Events
Kim Mulkey 'in heaven' meeting Saban spoke to LSU women's basketball before NSU game. LSU women's basketball dominated Charleston Southern as Aneesah Morrow shone for Tigers.Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.
Discover the Hidden Gem in Fantasy Basketball - Donovan Clingan
Week 4 Wrap Up
Dove – Bossman Dlow. Donovan Clingan's performance without Deandre Ayton in the lineup has been remarkable. His size and value as a shot-blocker and rebounder are already evident. The former Huskie is averaging a low-end double-double with five stocks in his last three outings. Ayton's finger injury has left Clingan as a more reliable option in fantasy leagues.
Top Performers. In the world of fantasy basketball, there are several players making waves. Tari Eason, Jared McCain, Brandon Boston Jr., Shaedon Sharpe, and Luguentz Dort are among the under-50% rostered players that should be on every fantasy manager's radar. Each brings unique skills and potential to the court.
Who's in My Rotation: Waiver Pickups
Tari Eason, the SF/PF from the Houston Rockets (48%), is a force to be reckoned with. Jared McCain, the PG/SG of the Philadelphia 76ers (44%), also shows great promise. Brandon Boston Jr. from the New Orleans Pelicans (39%) is another player to watch. Shaedon Sharpe from the Portland Trail Blazers (37%) has been a standout, and Luguentz Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder (33%) is a reliable option. Kris Dunn from the Los Angeles Clippers (12%) is a nice streamer over the next two weeks in category leagues.
Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets (20%) has been a consistent starter in place of Aaron Gordon. He offers fantasy managers a decent source of stocks, 3s, scoring, and rebounds. Goga Bitadze from the Orlando Magic (26%) is set to have a great week with the Magic playing four games. Moussa Diabaté from the Charlotte Hornets (24%) has been a beast on the glass and as a rim protector.
Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls (23%) has quietly been a top 80 player over the past two weeks, thanks to his production and efficiency. He's also eating into Josh Giddey's minutes, which is beneficial for fantasy purposes.
Schedule Highlights
It's a great week for streaming, with at most eight games daily. The Week 5 daily schedule of games includes Monday (8), Tuesday (6), Wednesday (8), Thursday (4), Friday (8), Saturday (7), and Sunday (6). There are teams to avoid, such as the Thunder and Suns (both teams don't have games after Wednesday), the Heat (plays on Monday and Sunday), and the Timberwolves (plays on Thursday and Sunday).
Four games are set to be played by teams like the 76ers, Bucks, Bulls, Clippers, Magic, Pacers, Rockets, and Warriors. Three games will be played by teams like the Celtics, Cavaliers, Hawks, Hornets, Jazz, Kings, Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks, Nets, Nuggets, Pelicans, Pistons, Raptors, Spurs, Trail Blazers, and Wizards. Two games will be played by the Heat, Suns, Thunder, and Timberwolves.
Back-to-Backs
Tuesday/Wednesday: Cavs, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Thunder. Wednesday/Thursday: Magic. Friday/Saturday: Bucks, Bulls, Nuggets, Trail Blazers, Rockets, and Warriors. Sunday/Monday: Celtics, Clippers, Kings, Mavericks, Nets, Pacers, and Raptors.
Injury News
Nuggets C Nikola Jokić (personal) is considered day-to-day. Mavericks G Luka Dončić (knee) is also day-to-day. Trail Blazers C Deandre Ayton (finger) is day-to-day. Trail Blazers G Anfernee Simons (illness) is day-to-day. Kings F DeMar DeRozan (back) is day-to-day. Kings C Domantas Sabonis (back) is day-to-day. Nets C Nic Claxton (back) will miss at least one week. Celtics G Jrue Holiday (knee) is considered day-to-day. Raptors G Immanuel Quickley (elbow) will be re-evaluated this week.
Rotation Notes
Detroit Pistons: Malik Beasley (27%) has been on fire without Tim Hardaway Jr. in the lineup, starting his last two games and averaging 38.8 fantasy points per game. Ausar Thompson (45%) is a player to stash as he continues to ramp up. Los Angeles Lakers: Rui Hachimura's absence due to an ankle injury has opened up opportunities for the rookie from Tennessee. If Hachimura isn't ready to return by Tuesday, Knecht (20%) has streaming potential. New Orleans Pelicans: CJ McCollum's return to practice and Trey Murphy III's comeback are good news, but the Pelicans are still down four of their original starting five. Keep Brandon Boston Jr. rostered, while Yves Missi (19%) should continue holding value. Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe's play is affecting Deni Avdija's minutes. Deandre Ayton's finger injury has led to Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams splitting time. Anfernee Simons' illness is opening the door for Scoot Henderson and Dalano Banton (7%). Check the injury report before the Blazers play on Wednesday.
Sacramento Kings: Fox on Fire!
De'Aaron Fox has a 49% usage rate and is averaging 54.5 points per game in two games without DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis. Kevin Huerter (24%) has been alternating good and bad games. Trey Lyles is another alternative. The Kings are off until Friday after their Tuesday game.