Last-Tear embraces Senior role at LSU

• Led Northwest Florida State to NJCAA National Championship, earning Tournament MVP
• Played crucial role in LSU's 2023 NCAA National Championship victory
• Known for defensive prowess, taking 31 charges in the 2023-24 season

Last-Tear Poa is an Australian guard playing for LSU, known for her clutch performances and defensive skills. She transitioned from JUCO success to becoming a key contributor for the Tigers.

Name: Last-Tear Poa
‍Position: Guard
‍Height: 5'11"
‍Class: Senior
‍Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
‍High School: https://www.lakeonline.act.edu.au/
‍Previous School: Northwest Florida State College

Last-Tear Poa's journey from Melbourne to the bright lights of NCAA basketball is a testament to her talent, determination, and the growing pipeline of Australian players making their mark in American college basketball.

Poa's path to success began in her hometown of Melbourne, where she honed her skills and caught the attention of scouts from across the globe.

Before arriving at Louisiana State University (LSU), Poa made a significant impact at the junior college level. She attended Northwest Florida State College, where she quickly established herself as one of the top JUCO players in the country. Her freshman season was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a NJCAA National Championship. Poa's performance during the tournament was extraordinary, earning her the NJCAA Tournament MVP award. Her statistics during the championship run were impressive, averaging 23.0 points per game while playing every minute of every game. She showcased her shooting prowess with a 44.9% field goal percentage and an even more remarkable 43.5% from beyond the arc.

Poa's success at Northwest Florida State didn't go unnoticed. She was named the FCSAA Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season, averaging 14.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. These accomplishments made her the most sought-after JUCO transfer in the country, ultimately leading her to LSU.

Upon joining the LSU Tigers for the 2022-23 season, Poa quickly adapted to the higher level of competition in NCAA Division I basketball. While primarily coming off the bench, she played a crucial role in the team's success, appearing in all 36 games and starting two. Her impact was particularly felt during LSU's run to the National Championship.

In the National Championship game against Iowa, Poa's contributions were pivotal. She knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the second quarter, helping LSU extend their lead at a critical juncture. However, it was her defensive prowess that truly shone. Poa's ability to draw charges became a game-changing skill, as she forced two offensive fouls on Iowa's star player, Caitlin Clark, sending her to the bench with foul trouble in the second quarter.

This defensive play was a turning point in the game and exemplified Poa's basketball IQ and willingness to sacrifice her body for the team.

Junior Season

Poa's junior season (2023-24) saw her role expand further. She started in 10 games and continued to be a reliable contributor off the bench. Her averages of 4.9 points and 3.0 assists per game don't fully capture her impact on the court. Poa's ability to facilitate the offence was evident in her 14 games with 4 or more assists, including a career-high 8 assists without a single turnover in a win over Coppin State.

Defensively, Poa continued to excel, taking a remarkable 31 charges throughout the season. This ability to put her body on the line and force turnovers became a hallmark of her play style. She also demonstrated her defensive acumen by recording a career-high 6 steals in a victory over Northwestern State.

As Poa enters her senior season (2024-25), expectations are high for the Australian guard. Her experience, defensive skills, and clutch performances in big games make her an invaluable asset to the LSU Tigers. While the current season is still in its early stages, Poa has already shown flashes of her capabilities, particularly in distributing the ball, with 10 assists in just 40 minutes of play across three games.

Poa's journey from Melbourne to becoming the seventh Australian player in LSU history is a source of pride for basketball enthusiasts in her home country. Her success story serves as an inspiration for young Australian players aspiring to compete at the highest levels of college basketball in the United States.

Last-Tear Poa's career at LSU is a testament to her versatility and team-first mentality. While she may not always lead the team in scoring, her contributions in terms of assists, defence, and intangibles make her an essential part of the Tigers' success.