LSU's Star Guards Haven't 'Clicked' Yet, Raising Concerns for March Madness The No. 2 LSU Tigers are preparing for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, but their star guards—senior Flau’jae Johnson and juniors Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley—have yet to fully gel as a unit. While the team remains optimistic about their postseason prospects, the lack of cohesive play from the trio has sparked quiet concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level. Johnson, Williams, and Fulwiley expressed excitement about advancing in the tournament, emphasizing their experience and leadership. Johnson highlighted her past success, including appearances in the Elite Eight and the national championship, while Williams and Fulwiley noted the team’s collective focus. “We all know the focus that goes into it,” Williams said, adding that the group’s chemistry will be crucial for deep runs. Despite their confidence, there’s a sense that LSU hasn’t reached its peak yet. The team’s star guards have excelled individually but haven’t consistently clicked as a unit. Coach Crystal Mann’s squad will host No. 15 Jacksonville on Friday, and the players acknowledged the challenge of waiting for their chemistry to fully form. “We’re able to do that,” Fulwiley said. “I feel like it’s going to come at the right time.” Johnson, however, framed the situation as a positive. She called playing alongside Williams and Fulwiley a “blessing,” comparing their dynamic to NBA-level talent. “Having three strong players on one team is NBA stuff,” she said, adding that the trio has learned from each other. Yet, she also admitted the lack of cohesion has prompted self-reflection. “Sometimes I think, why hasn’t it clicked?” she said. “A lot of self-reflection, but I think it’s coming.#lsu_tigers #flaujae_johnson #mikaylah_williams #milaysia_fulwiley #crystal_mann
Kim Mulkey Gets Emotional Talking About LSU Senior Flau’jae Johnson Before NCAA Tournament LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey expressed deep emotion during an ESPN Baton Rouge Radio show, “Off the Bench with Jacob Hester and Matt Flynn,” as she reflected on senior guard Flau’jae Johnson. The conversation centered on Johnson’s significance to the program, with Mulkey emphasizing the player’s impact as she prepares for her final game in the NCAA Tournament. Johnson, a standout guard, became the first McDonald’s All-American signee from high school to join LSU since Mulkey took over as head coach in April 2021. She was a key member of the 2023 national championship team and has since earned recognition as a 2025-26 AP second team All-American. Mulkey highlighted Johnson’s role in the upcoming tournament, stating that if LSU advances past Jacksonville, the game would mark her final appearance in a championship setting. “That will be her last game ever in a-, and I get emotional because that kid just meant so much to our program,” Mulkey said. The coach also stressed the importance of supporting Johnson’s final game, urging fans to attend and showing frustration over ticket availability. She explained that NCAA regulations require a certain number of seats near the benches for each team, which has led to adjustments in seating arrangements. “We need to sell it out,” Mulkey said, adding that the game’s significance extends beyond her program. “She’s going to be dearly missed. Not just in my program, but at this university.” Johnson’s journey at LSU has been marked by both athletic and personal achievements. Despite briefly considering the transfer portal after her freshman season, she chose to stay at LSU, where she balances her basketball career with her passion for music.#ncaa_tournament #lsu #kim_mulkey #flaujae_johnson #bet_hip_hop_awards
LSU Women's Basketball Advances to NCAA Tournament Second Round LSU women's basketball secured a dominant 116-58 victory over No. 15 Jacksonville in the first round of the NCAA tournament, advancing to the second round for the fifth consecutive season under head coach Kim Mulkey. The Lady Tigers, ranked No. 2 in the nation with a 28-5 record, will face No. 7 Texas Tech in the Baton Rouge Regional final. The matchup is set for Sunday at 2 p.m. CT at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Texas Tech’s path to the second round included a 57-52 win over No. 10 Villanova, marking the program’s first NCAA tournament victory in 21 years. Senior guard Bailey Maupin contributed 18 points for the Lady Raiders in that game. LSU’s victory over Jacksonville showcased a balanced attack, with seven players scoring in double figures. Senior Flau’jae Johnson led the team with 20 points, while junior Mikaylah Williams added 18 points and 10 assists in a double-double performance. The LSU-Texas Tech game will be broadcast on ABC, with live streaming available via the ESPN app and Fubo, which offers a free trial. Announcers Tiffany Greene and Carolyn Peck will call the action, with Alyssa Lang providing sideline reports. A win for LSU would send the team to the Sweet 16 in the Sacramento Region next weekend. The article also addresses questions about Amiya Joyner’s absence from the LSU lineup against Jacksonville, though specific reasons were not detailed. Schedules for both teams are provided, highlighting recent games and tournament appearances. LSU’s 2025-26 season included notable wins against Tennessee, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, while Texas Tech’s schedule featured games against Colorado, Kansas, Arizona State, Kansas State, and Villanova.#texas_tech #kim_mulkey #lsu_womens_basketball #bailey_maupin #flaujae_johnson
