It was an electrifying night for the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team as they secured a victory against top-seeded Virginia Tech in the NCAA Final Four, marking their first-ever entrance to the finals.
This triumph has caught the attention of fans and alumni alike, with none other than LSU’s own legendary Shaquille O’Neal joining in on the celebrations. With this historical moment in mind, let’s delve into the significance of this win and the connection between Shaq and LSU.
How does Shaquille O’Neal fit into the LSU legacy?
Shaquille O’Neal, an LSU alumnus and one of the most important athletes in Tigers’ history, has had a profound impact on the university’s athletic programs. Having established his dominance in college basketball before finding success in the NBA, Shaq has been longing for a national title for the Tigers. Now, thanks to the women’s basketball team’s recent success, Shaq might finally have a chance to witness a championship for his beloved alma mater.
The energy in the LSU locker room was palpable after the dramatic win, with the players reveling at the moment and relishing the opportunity to compete for a national title. Shaq was no exception, sharing an Instagram story capturing the celebratory atmosphere and the players’ exuberant response to their victory. The Hall of Famer’s post showcased the players going wild in celebration, loudly blurting out, “You wanna talk sh*t?…” from Boosie Badazz’s ‘Set It Off.’
Shaquille O’Neal’s impact on LSU has extended beyond his own accomplishments, with his children following in his footsteps and joining the university’s athletic programs. Shareef O’Neal, Amirah O’Neal, and 16-year-old Me’arah O’Neal have all continued Shaq’s legacy by wearing the LSU purple and yellow, ensuring the O’Neal name remains synonymous with the university.
The LSU Tigers’ win over Virginia Tech can be attributed to outstanding performances from Alexis Morris and Angel Reese. Morris scored 27 points, while Reese contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds. Head coach Kim Mulkey also deserves recognition, as she has guided the team to the NCAA finals in just her second year with the program.
What lies ahead for the LSU Tigers?
The Tigers are set to face the Iowa Hawkeyes, led by AP Player of The Year Caitlin Clark, in the battle for the national title on Sunday. Will Shaquille O’Neal finally have the chance to celebrate a national championship, or will Clark and the Hawkeyes emerge victorious? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this historic moment has captured the hearts and minds of LSU fans everywhere.
