“She’s fine.” That was Kim Mulkey’s curt response when asked about Flau’jae Johnson following LSU’s loss to Texas. But just days later, in an 88-85 overtime defeat to Alabama, Johnson’s performance suggested otherwise. It was one of those nights where nothing seemed to click—shots rimmed out, possessions slipped away, and frustration mounted. Yet, even in the aftermath of a tough loss, Johnson didn’t hide.
Johnson’s words came after a game that saw her streak of 37 consecutive double-digit scoring performances snapped; it was also her worst performance after 14 months. The sophomore guard struggled too much, finishing with just six points on 2-of-12 shooting. It wasn’t just a cold shooting night—it was the kind of game that gnaws at a competitor’s pride. The kind of game that lingers in the mind long after the final buzzer.
But Johnson faced the moment head-on, offering an unfiltered apology on X: “This is on me, I’m playing my worst basketball. I’m sorry y’all, ima bounce back.” The loss itself was a gut punch for LSU. Alabama’s Aaliyah Nye erupted for 28 points, while Sarah Ashlee Barker chipped in 21 before fouling out. The Crimson Tide looked to have let the Tigers off the hook late in overtime, gifting them an opportunity after Barker was whistled for an intentional foul with 31 seconds left.
This on me, I’m playing my worst basketball. I’m sorry yall, ima bounce back
— Flaujae 4⃣ (@Flaujae) February 28, 2025
But LSU failed to capitalize, as Mikaylah Williams made just one of two free throws. Then, with four seconds remaining, Alabama’s Essence Cody sealed the game with a critical block on Williams’ layup attempt. For LSU, this game was a lesson in missed opportunities. Despite trailing by as many as 13 points and leading for just 23 seconds all night, the Tigers had a chance to escape with a win. But Alabama, which has now won six of its last seven games, refused to let go. The Tide outrebounded LSU 43-37 and blocked eight shots, including the game-clinching rejection by Cody.
While Williams led LSU with 22 points, and Aneesah Morrow (16 points), Sa’Myah Smith (15 points), and Miracle Sheppard (10 points) contributed, Johnson’s struggles were glaring. She played 38 minutes, yet her impact was minimal. The frustration was evident, and her postgame message reflected that. For a player known for her confidence and relentless energy, this performance was a stark contrast.
Bad games happen, but what defines an athlete is how she responds. Johnson’s vow to bounce back is more than just words—it’s a promise to herself and her team. With the regular-season finale against Mississippi looming, LSU still has time to regain its rhythm before postseason play begins. And if history is any indication, a locked-in Johnson is a dangerous one.
Johnson and the Tigers’ road to glory: Tough bracket, fierce competition, and a championship mindset
As the NCAA Tournament looms, LSU women’s basketball is sitting in a prime position, ranked No. 7 in the nation and gearing up for a deep postseason run. The Tigers have been a force all season, blending elite scoring, relentless rebounding, and tenacious defense to cement their status as one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Averaging 88.7 points per game (4th overall), LSU thrives on an up-tempo offense, but their dominance on the glass—44.4 rebounds per game (2nd overall)—is what truly sets them apart. With a 115.6 offensive rating and an 82.9 defensive rating, this squad has both the firepower and the grit to take on anyone in the field.
LSU had been projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, landing in Spokane Regional 1 alongside top-seeded UCLA, North Carolina, and Kansas State. The road to the Final Four is anything but easy, as powerhouse programs like Texas, Southern California, and Notre Dame headline the other three regions. The competition is fierce, but if the Tigers can capitalize on their rebounding strength and tighten up their perimeter shooting (4.8 threes per game), they have all the makings of a championship contender.
LSU guard Kailyn Gilbert (16) smiles after making the game-winning shot during a women’s college basketball game between the Lady Vols and LSU at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
With Selection Sunday just 16 days away, every move is crucial. Derita Dawkins, chair of the Division I Women’s Basketball Committee, emphasized that upcoming matchups and conference tournaments will play a huge role in shaping the final bracket. For LSU, this means fine-tuning their defense (10.0 steals per game) and limiting turnovers (14.6 per game) as they prepare for a March Madness run.
UCLA, currently sitting at 27-1, holds the No. 1 overall seed, with its only loss coming at the hands of cross-town rival USC. But as history has shown, seeding means nothing once the tournament begins—momentum, matchups, and mental toughness decide who survives and advances. The 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four will take place in Tampa, Florida, on April 4 and 6, but before that, teams must battle through regional play in Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington, from March 28-31.
For LSU, the pieces are in place. The talent is there. Now, it’s about execution. With a shot at the program’s second national title in three years, the Tigers aren’t just looking to make a deep run—they’re hunting for a championship.
The post Forced by Alabama Upset, Flau’jae Johnson Issues Unfiltered Apology for Her “Worst Basketball” Game in 14 Months appeared first on EssentiallySports.