Dominant LSU Tigers storm into the Sweet Sixteen, celebrating star Flau'jae Johnson's emotional final home game with record-breaking offense.
The LSU Tigers are moving on to Kim Mulkey's 19th Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA tournament after cruising past the Texas Tech Lady Raiders by a score of X-X. It was a Division I-record 16th game of at least 100 points for this dominant Tigers offense, and the second of the tournament.
While there wasn't much stress, this was a highly emotional game, as it was the final time playing in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for star guard Flau'jae Johnson, who is projected to be an early draft pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.
Johnson was as good as ever, logging 24 points, four rebounds and three assists on 9-of-13 from the field. It was easy to see the impact of her final game in Baton Rouge throughout the day, but especially when she checked out for the final time with over seven minutes left.
"It was that roar that did it for me... Tiger Nation, I love you. I would have never been 'four' without you," said Johnson after the game before thanking a list of people.
This was also the final time in the PMAC for newcomer Amiya Joyner, who ended her time in Baton Rouge with an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double, as well as Izzy Besselman, who has been with LSU for years but is not medically cleared to play.
Next up for the celebration is Mikaylah Williams, a junior, who is delivering on expectations of stepping her game up in the tournament. She has showcased her skills all year long, but she and Johnson took a back seat to let everyone get involved. No longer.
Williams had 24 points on 9-of-15 from the field to go along with seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. She and Johnson have a chance to be one of the best duos in all of the tournament. They've looked the part so far.
The Tigers have not had any trouble through these two games so far, but that will likely end in the next round, which they will play in Sacramento. They'll face either the No. 3-seed Duke Blue Devils or the No.6-seeded Baylor Bears, whose game has already started.