Flau'jae Johnson made a massive statement in the Sweet 16 against UCLA. The LSU guard announced to a national audience that she's capable of carrying a star-studded team when needed.
LSU advanced to its second consecutive Elite Eight as it tries to win back-to-back national titles. On Saturday afternoon, the Tigers beat the Bruins 78-69 to advance to the regional finals, where it awaits the winner of Iowa-Colorado.
Johnson was the undoubted star of the game for LSU, which says a lot considering she shares a court with senior guard Hailey Van Lith as well as senior forwards Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow.
Johnson, a sophomore, finished with a game-high 24 points and also led the Tigers with 12 rebounds.
She brought an energy to a game the Tigers sorely needed and made multiple outstanding plays, both on the offensive and defensive ends.
Johnson set the tone with a three early to tie the game at 5-5 before showing off her handles on an excellent move before a second-quarter layup that gave LSU a 46-45 lead.
Quick start for Flau'jae Johnson in this one pic.twitter.com/qgTqQ8aJ8Z
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) March 30, 2024
FLAU'JAE JOHNSON WHAT pic.twitter.com/HpDxwDgM3n
— Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler) March 30, 2024
She added a key block late and also scored a bucket to give the Tigers a two-score lead, 72-68, with 44.4 seconds remaining.
Great defense from Flau'jae Johnson. Fights over the screen, sticks with the drive, gets the block. pic.twitter.com/D82YkS44Zx
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) March 30, 2024
SHE IS THE MOMENT‼️ SHE IS THE MAIN EVENT‼️ SHE IS EVERYTHINGGGG‼️
— LSU Women's Basketball (@LSUwbkb) March 30, 2024
ABC | @Flaujae pic.twitter.com/mDsQjsedJS
After the contest, Johnson spoke with ESPN's Holly Rowe about her improved offensive game.
"People are going to discredit me because I rap and I hoop, so I know I got to go extra hard." "She does rap, her new single is 'It Ain't My Fault,' but today, this win was your fault." "It is our fault!" Great postgame interview of Flau'jae Johnson from Holly Rowe. pic.twitter.com/6GpOxPq9uf
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 30, 2024
"I've been focused. I've been in the gym. I've been locked in. Every day I'm in the gym putting in reps. Every day," said Johnson.
She also has a recording contract with Jay-Z's Roc Nation label and discussed using that as fuel on the court.
"People are going to discredit me because I rap and I hoop, so I know I got to go extra hard," added Johnson.
Since the start of the SEC Tournament, Johnson is averaging 19.7 points per game while shooting 54.9 percent, including 70.6 percent (12 of 17) from beyond the arc.
She's turning into a star on the game's greatest stage, and that spotlight will only grow brighter as the Tigers continue their push for another title.
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