“When you don’t have all your weapons, all you can do is go out there and compete.” That’s what Kim Mulkey said, and well, that’s exactly what LSU will have to do in the SEC Tournament. With star guard Flau’jae Johnson sidelined, the Tigers are entering the postseason without one of their key pieces. However, the coach is apparently ‘okay’ with it. 

Johnson has been a steady force for LSU, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. In her three-year career in Baton Rouge, she has barely missed games, with only one absence early last season. On top of that, she has been quite consistent.

But in LSU’s recent overtime loss to Alabama, she put up just six points—her lowest total this season. After that, she was already listed ‘out’ for the regular season finale and was even seen on the court wearing a walking boot on her right leg while her teammates warmed up before the Sunday game. 

Then, just before facing Ole Miss, the Lady Tigers head coach delivered the worst news: The Team’s leading scorer is out with shin inflammation for the whole SEC tournament. But do you know that sitting her out of the “Big 4” wasn’t a doctor’s or trainer’s call—it was entirely Mulkey’s? 

“I sat Flau’jae. The doctor didn’t tell her she had to sit. The trainer didn’t tell her she had to sit,” the HC said. “This started before the Texas game, and I encouraged her to sit. When your shins are hurting, you cannot mentally perform.”

Mulkey’s reasoning is that LSU is guaranteed a No. 3 seed for the NCAA tournament, no matter what. So, why push Johnson when she can rest and recover? And she is fine with her not playing. “Knowing that we were going to miss 19 points a game and all her rebounding and her defensive stuff, but that’s okay,” the coach said. “Win or lose, you’re still a three-seed… The most important thing is to get her healthy before the NCAA Tournament begins.”

So, now with their place secured, LSU will begin its SEC Tournament run in Greenville, South Carolina. But before that, they had a regular-season finale to take care of, and things didn’t exactly go as planned.

Without Flau’jae Johnson, LSU let a halftime lead slip away

LSU had a 13-point lead at halftime against Ole Miss, but things took a turn in the second half. With just over a minute left, Tameiya Sadler hit a clutch three-pointer, giving Ole Miss the separation it needed to pull off an 85-77 upset. 

And to make things worse? It was Senior Day at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, a day meant for celebration. Aneesah Morrow, Shayeann Day-Wilson, Amani Bartlett, and Last-Tear Poa were honored at halftime, but by the final buzzer, the mood had shifted. “The saddest day of your life is when you hang that jersey in that locker and you can’t put it on again,” Mulkey said. “I do feel bad for the seniors losing on their Senior Day.”

Morrow, at least, had a performance worth remembering, leading LSU with 28 points and 12 rebounds. With that, she became just the second player in women’s college basketball history to record 100 double-doubles. We already know that’s her zone. Mikaylah Williams also stepped up, dropping 25 points and dishing out five assists.

With Johnson out, the starting lineup had a shake-up. Junior guard Kailyn Gilbert got her first start, while Poa took over at point guard. LSU’s offense still had its big guns in Morrow and Williams, but when the Rebels stormed back in the second half, Johnson’s absence was more than noticeable. 

Now, the focus shifts to the SEC Tournament. The question is: Can LSU adjust without Flau’jae Johnson, or will her absence haunt?