"It was proving everyone wrong": LSU's Last-Tear Poa summarizes her national championship winning experience
Last-Tear Poa joined enjoyed a strong freshman season with the Northwest Florida Raiders, averaging an astonishing 23.0 points and leading them to the NJCAA National Championship. Following the 2021-22 season, she transferred to LSU and was the top JUCO transfer in the nation at that time.
The Australian tasted the ultimate form of success in college basketball in her maiden season at Baton Rouge, as the Tigers won the national championship for the first time in program history. Over a year after that triumph, Poa expressed her feelings at that time during her appearance on the latest episode of teammate Flau'jae Johnson's podcast, 'Best of Both Worlds'.
When Johnson quizzed her about both of them winning the NCAA Tournament in their debut season at LSU, Poa said it was a statement to those who doubted the Tigers going into the season.
"I think it was great, just being in that team because we were all dawgs," said Poa. "And, I think, because we had a chip on our shoulder, we came out, like, you know, ready for everything.
"I think, just winning it overall, it was proving everyone wrong, 'cuz I think, we were like, ranked 26, right? And, I think just proving everyone wrong was the best feeling and celebrating everything that people thought of us. So, it was great." (4:00)
Last-Tear Poa played a key role in mitigating Caitlin Clark in the 2023 national championship game
Last-Tear Poa came off the bench to play just seven minutes of 40 in the 2023 national championship game. However, she made the most of her opportunity to shine on the biggest stage in college basketball, winning fans over with her cameo.
Poa made two three-pointers and dished out two assists to help the Tigers extend their lead to double-digits in the second quarter. Her defensive efforts drew more praise, as she drew two charges from the dangerous Caitlin Clark in the same quarter, forcing her to the bench with foul trouble.
It would prove to be a key part of the Tigers' success in the national championship game, as they finished 102-85 winners.
Last-Tear Poa has been a regular feature on the Tigers' bench since her transfer, and this season is no exception. So far, she has appeared in 11 of the Tigers' 14 games this season, and started five of them. Across those games, she has averaged 2.8 points, 2.6 assists and 0.8 rebounds.