Thursday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center was unforgettable, especially for LSU. The Lady Tigers were ruthless in transition offense during their first exhibition game ahead of the 2024-25 NCAA season, securing a 114-53 victory over Xavier of New Orleans. Yes, you read that score right! While all the players found their rhythm, Flau’jae Johnson was the undeniable standout.

The LSU star ignited the fast-break attack in the second quarter by turning her steal into an impressive layup on the other end. After that, LSU dominated in transition throughout the first and second quarters, racing to a 68-19 halftime lead and scoring 32 points off turnovers. It was WNBA draft-eligible junior Johnson who led the team in scoring.

She tallied 30 impressive points, making 13 of her 19 field goal attempts, including two of four shots from three-point range. But she wasn’t done. She also added 10 rebounds, three steals, and a block to help the team cruise to victory. “I feel like I have good games when I get a stop first…and once I got that first steal and that layup, I was like, ‘OK cool,’” she shared after the game.

Flau’jae’s impact didn’t end there. As fans heard her post-game comments and witnessed her performance, they couldn’t resist showering her with praise in the comments.

Fans in awe after Flau’jae Johnson’s commendable performance

While many spectators were impressed with her smooth jumper, others felt she was more dominant than ever. “Man, her jumper is soooo sweet,” one fan wrote, applauding her game-changing layup after which LSU’s mix of players found success.

At the South Conference Media Day last Wednesday, head coach Kim Mulkey mentioned a few minor injuries that could affect LSU’s preseason. Consequently, three main contributors—Mikaylah Williams, Sa’Myah Smith, and Last-Tear Poa—sat out on Thursday. To fill the gap, LSU’s starting lineup featured two returning players and three newcomers, with Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, Shayeann Day-Wilson, Jersey Wolfenbarger, and Kailyn Gilbert all starting. “Flau’jae is going to be a generational talent when it’s all said and done,” another fan added.

Johnson showcased her impressive 14.9 points-per-game average, proving to be a force to be reckoned with. “OMG she’s cooking,” another fan posted on X. With a remarkable 50.4% field goal percentage—one of the best in collegiate basketball—Johnson’s performance led fans to label her as the “LSU GOAT” and a potential “#1 pick.” Unquestionably, Flau’jae and her teammates dominated on both ends of the court.

Recording 19 steals, LSU limited Xavier to a mere 34% shooting from the field and 30% from beyond the arc. Now, fans have even higher expectations for Johnson and her teammates. But the question remains: Will LSU find as much success as they did over the past couple of years without Angel Reese?