The LSU Tigers started slow, but ended up pulling ahead thanks to a monster second half from Flau'jae Johnson in their 92-70 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks on Play4Kay night.
With this win, the Tigers improve to 20-2 on the season and 6-2 in SEC play. This had the makings of a trap game with a tough stretch of basketball coming up. The Razorbacks are yet to win an SEC matchup.
LSU certainly came out of the gates like they were looking ahead to their upcoming slate, and Kim Mulkey was quick to put the starting lineup on notice. Arkansas started the game with a 15-8 run, and then Mulkey instituted a full rotation shift by taking out everyone that was on the floor.
That bench unit responded well and got the Tigers the lead back, but LSU didn't really pull ahead until the second half. The efforts that really turned the game after the break came from Johnson as the leading scorer, and Kate Koval stepping up to dominate the boards.
All of Johnson's 17 points came in the second half. She also finished with two rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Tigers have been praised for the depth that they have on their team, rightfully so, but star players do matter. Nights like tonight prove why having someone like Johnson is so important. Her scoring ability, combined with defensive prowess, can take games over.
Mikaylah Williams, the other star, finished tied with Johnson at 17 points. She also had five rebounds and two assists.
Koval deserves a ton of shine, though, as this was probably her best game in purple and gold, considering that it was a conference matchup. She had 12 points to go along with a season-high 15 rebounds and a season-high five blocks.
The second-year center was going to be given a tall task this season as the only real center-type that LSU can rely on. Her performance hasn't been consistent, but she can clearly compete at this level. It will be fun to watch how she grows.
Mulkey and the Tigers do need her to keep this momentum up, though, as they have another brutal stretch of games coming up. Their next game is on Sunday at 11:00 am CT against the No. 24 Alabama Crimson Tide.