A lower body injury prevents Aneesah Morrow from playing in the SEC semifinal for LSU women’s basketball.

The LSU women’s basketball team is no stranger to pressure. As one of the elite programs in the nation, the Lady Tigers often find themselves under the spotlight in critical moments. However, heading into the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, the team faced an unexpected and severe challenge that tested their depth, resilience, and overall composure. LSU star player Aneesah Morrow, who had been one of the most dominant forces in the SEC throughout the season, was ruled out of the SEC semifinal due to a lower-body injury. Her absence left a significant void in LSU’s lineup, and fans, players, and coaches alike were forced to contend with the reality of playing without one of the best players in the country.

Morrow, who had been playing at an incredibly high level all season, was integral to LSU’s success in 2025. Her scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and leadership on both ends of the floor had made her a standout in the SEC and a legitimate contender for Player of the Year honors. However, in a cruel twist of fate, she suffered an injury during the quarterfinal matchup, and despite the team’s efforts to keep her on the court, she was unable to go in the critical semifinal clash. The injury, which was initially not expected to be severe, turned out to be more impactful than anyone anticipated, leaving LSU with a difficult decision and a hard-fought battle ahead.

This article will examine the circumstances surrounding Morrow’s injury, its impact on LSU’s chances in the SEC tournament, the efforts of the team to overcome her absence, and the long-term implications for LSU’s chances in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Aneesah Morrow’s Role in LSU’s Success

Before diving into the specifics of Morrow’s injury, it’s important to understand just how integral she was to LSU’s success throughout the 2025 season. The 6-foot-1 forward had been an absolute force on the court. Averaging 21.4 points per game and 11.2 rebounds, Morrow was not only a scoring machine but also a vital presence in the paint. Her ability to crash the boards and dominate inside made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, and her versatile scoring – whether it was hitting mid-range jumpers, finishing at the rim, or hitting free throws – kept opponents guessing.

On the defensive side of the ball, Morrow was just as impactful. Her size and athleticism allowed her to guard multiple positions effectively, and she was often tasked with shutting down the opposing team’s best offensive threats. Morrow’s leadership, both on and off the floor, was another key component of LSU’s success. As a seasoned player with experience in big games, her presence was felt in critical moments, and she often took on the responsibility of leading her team when the game was on the line.

Her dominance and consistency throughout the season had made LSU one of the favorites to make a deep run in both the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. With a roster full of talent, Morrow’s ability to elevate those around her made LSU one of the top teams in the country.

The Injury: How Morrow Was Impacted

The injury that sidelined Morrow occurred during LSU’s quarterfinal game in the SEC tournament. Although she played through some discomfort, it became evident in the second half that something wasn’t quite right. Morrow visibly struggled at times during the game, limping occasionally and showing signs of favoring her lower body. However, she continued to push through, determined to help her team advance.

After the quarterfinal victory, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey and the medical staff took Morrow for further evaluation, hoping it was just a minor issue. Unfortunately, the results confirmed that Morrow had sustained a lower-body injury that would require rest and rehabilitation. The specifics of the injury, which were kept private for competitive reasons, were revealed to be a strain or sprain that would not allow her to play in the semifinal against a formidable opponent.

The news of Morrow’s injury sent shockwaves through the LSU program. Players and coaches had relied heavily on Morrow’s leadership and playmaking all season, and her absence created a significant hole in LSU’s lineup. The team would have to find a way to adjust without one of the nation’s best players, and that presented a daunting challenge, especially with the SEC title on the line.

The Impact on LSU’s Semifinal Chances

Morrow’s absence undoubtedly changed the complexion of the semifinal matchup. The opponent, the South Carolina Gamecocks, were a talented and formidable team led by their own star player, Aliyah Boston, and a deep roster of strong contributors. South Carolina had been one of the best teams in the SEC all season, and facing them without one of LSU’s best players was going to be a monumental task.

LSU would now need to rely on its other key players to step up. Flau’Jae Johnson, a dynamic guard who had been excellent for LSU all season, would need to take on an even larger offensive load. Johnson had been LSU’s second-leading scorer and a capable playmaker, but without Morrow’s scoring presence in the post, it was uncertain whether Johnson alone could carry the team against a defense as stout as South Carolina’s.

Another player who would be asked to fill the gap was LaDazhia Williams, LSU’s veteran center. Williams had been a solid contributor all year, but her role in the offense was not as pronounced as Morrow’s. Williams had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, particularly on the defensive end, but now she would be tasked with shouldering more of the scoring load, particularly in the paint where Morrow thrived.

Additionally, LSU’s guards, including Jasmine Carson and Kateri Poole, would need to increase their offensive contributions. Carson had proven to be a reliable outside shooter, and Poole was known for her ability to create plays and drive to the basket. The pressure would be on them to pick up the slack, especially in a game that now felt like a do-or-die situation for the Tigers.

The challenge for LSU, however, was not just offensive. The defense, which had been a major strength for LSU all season, would need to adjust as well. Morrow was a key part of LSU’s defensive schemes, both in guarding opposing post players and providing help defense. With Morrow sidelined, LSU’s frontcourt would have to contend with South Carolina’s powerful frontcourt without one of their key rim protectors.

LSU’s Fight Without Morrow

Despite the uncertainty and the void created by Morrow’s absence, LSU showed remarkable resilience in the SEC semifinal. While they were not able to completely replicate Morrow’s impact on the court, the team fought hard and kept the game close. The Tigers leaned on their defensive discipline and tried to execute their offensive sets to make up for the lack of scoring from Morrow.

Flau’Jae Johnson stepped up in a big way, scoring efficiently and creating opportunities for her teammates. Johnson’s leadership and scoring ability were critical in keeping LSU in the game, but it was clear that South Carolina’s defense was tough to crack without Morrow’s inside presence. LaDazhia Williams also had an increased role, but South Carolina’s size and athleticism in the paint proved to be a difficult challenge, limiting her offensive opportunities.

While LSU gave it their all, South Carolina’s depth, combined with the leadership of Aliyah Boston, eventually overwhelmed the Tigers. The Gamecocks’ balanced scoring attack, along with their stifling defense, proved to be too much for LSU in the end. The loss in the SEC semifinal was a tough blow for the Tigers, but they had shown that they could compete without Morrow. It was a heartbreaking defeat, but LSU remained focused on the bigger picture: the NCAA Tournament.

What’s Next for Morrow and LSU?

With the SEC tournament behind them, LSU’s focus immediately shifted to the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Morrow’s injury, while unfortunate, was not expected to sideline her for the entirety of March Madness. The medical staff and coaching staff were hopeful that Morrow would be able to return to action in time for the tournament, but her status remained uncertain as of the semifinals.

The biggest concern for LSU was ensuring that Morrow would be fully recovered for the tournament. The NCAA Tournament is a new season in its own right, and LSU would need Morrow at her best if they were to make a deep run. While the team had shown that they could compete without her, they knew that their chances of winning the national title hinged on Morrow’s health and performance.

Morrow’s injury was a reminder of how fragile an athlete’s season can be and how quickly things can change. However, if she was able to recover and return to her dominant form, LSU would remain a serious contender for a national championship. The team’s depth and resilience in the face of adversity would serve them well as they prepared for the next challenge on the horizon.