Florida State and LSU star players face off Monday

In a highly anticipated matchup, Florida State's Ta'Niya Latson will face LSU's Flau'Jae Johnson in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament. The game is set for Monday night and will determine which team advances to the Sweet 16. Both players are among the best in the sport, with Latson leading the nation in points per game at 25. Latson showcased her scoring prowess by netting 28 points in Florida State's first-round victory over George Mason. LSU's Johnson also had a strong performance, scoring 22 points to help her team defeat San Diego State. The two players know each other well, having played against each other since high school. Coaches from both teams acknowledge the challenge of defending against Latson. LSU's coach, Kim Mulkey, mentioned that multiple players will be tasked with guarding Latson, who is good at drawing fouls and assists. Florida State's coach, Brooke Wyckoff, recognized Johnson's growth and talent, making this matchup particularly exciting. Both teams have strong offensive capabilities, and oddsmakers expect a high-scoring game with a total set around 170 points. Florida State and LSU both enjoy fast-paced play, but Johnson suggested that LSU aims to play with more composure while still pushing in transition. In the paint, LSU's Sa'Myah Smith may defend Florida State's center, Makayla Timpson, who has also excelled this season. Timpson leads her team with double-doubles, while LSU's Aneesah Morrow has been dominant in her role as well. The excitement builds as these two powerhouse teams prepare to battle it out for a chance to move forward in the tournament.