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
LSU Women’s Basketball: Final Show at PMAC Before Sweet 16 Bid LSU women’s basketball capped off a historic first-round NCAA Tournament game against Jacksonville with a dominant 116-58 victory at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, setting program records for points, margin of victory, and steals (18) in a single game. The performance also tied the NCAA Division I record for most 100-point games in a season, matching the mark set by Long Beach State in 1987. The Tigers’ explosive play, characterized by quick passes, relentless energy, and a fearless attitude, earned them the moniker “The Show,” a brand they’ve embraced throughout the season. Guard Jada Richard and forward ZaKiyah Johnson described the team’s identity as a blend of passion, skill, and unrelenting competitiveness. “We’re going to give y’all a show,” Richard said, highlighting the team’s love for the game. “Whether that’s behind-the-back passes, celebrations, or just playing with a lot of passion. We all love basketball, and that’s what LSU basketball is.” Johnson echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team’s dedication to practice, growth, and the grind of competition. The Tigers’ performance against Jacksonville was a testament to their offensive firepower, averaging 95.1 points per game this season. Their ability to score at such a high rate, combined with defensive disruption, has positioned them as a formidable force in the tournament. However, their upcoming second-round matchup against No. 7 Texas Tech presents a significant challenge. The Lady Raiders, known for their full-court press and disciplined defense, have averaged just 57.9 points allowed per game, contrasting sharply with LSU’s high-scoring, fast-paced style.#pete_maravich_assembly_center #lsu_womens_basketball #jada_richard #zakiyah_johnson #kim_mulkey
