ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Fifth-ranked Duke limited No. 7 LSU to just 28 percent shooting from the floor Saturday night as the Blue Devils posted a 56-45 victory over the Lady Tigers in the championship game of the Women’s Sports Foundation Classic.
The game was played before 6,532 fans at The Pit on the University of New Mexico campus. In the consolation game Saturday, New Mexico defeated UCLA, 75-54.
Duke, which defeated UCLA, 80-52, in the tournament’s first round Friday, improved to 2-0. LSU, which posted a 54-49 win over New Mexico Friday, fell to 1-1.
The Lady Tigers return to action at 7 p.m. next Saturday whencthey play host to Sam Houston State in the Maravich Assembly Center. “I think we’re going to be a much better offensive basketball than what we showed tonight,” said LSU head coach Sue Gunter. “That doesn’t concern me as much as some of the breakdowns we had. We were listless at times and gave in to the fatigue factor. We had simple, unforced turnovers caused by us just standing around.”
LSU hit just 16 of 56 shots from the field, including 2 of 15 from three-point range. Duke, meanwhile, shot just 33 percent from the floor; however, the Blue Devils were 16 of 20 from the foul line.
Duke also outrebounded LSU, 43-38, and the Blue Devils forced 19 Lady Tiger turnovers.
Guard Marie Ferdinand, who was named to the all-tournament team, was the only Lady Tiger in double figures with 22 points, 11 rebounds and four steals. Forward Roneeka Hodges added nine points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Duke forward Alana Beard was the only Blue Devil in double figures, as she scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Forward Iciss Tillis and guard Georgia Schweitzer each contributed nine points for Duke.
Duke, which led 23-17 at halftime, outscored LSU, 20-11, through the first 11:15 of the second half to take a 43-28 lead with 8:45 remaining.
LSU got to within 10 points at 46-36 with 6:43 left, but the Blue Devils scored six unanswered points to take a 52-36 lead at the 3:16 mark.
“I’m not going to complain, we’re going to work hard and get ready for our next game with Sam Houston. A split here in this tournament, I can live with it.”