The No. 6-ranked LSU women’s basketball team managed to hold off No. 19 Tennessee with an 82-77 win, securing a tie for first place in the SEC. The victory was fueled by an impressive performance from LSU’s standout trio—Flau’jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, and Aneesah Morrow—who combined for 42 points.
Despite some challenges in the second half, the Tigers’ dominant trio proved to be the difference-maker.
LSU Holds Strong Against Tennessee, Powered by Star Trio Led By Flau’jae Johnson
Johnson, Morrow, and Williams were the driving force behind LSU’s victory, accounting for 63% of the team’s scoring entering the game. The Tigers faced adversity when two of the three players ran into foul trouble during the third period, but LSU’s depth came through. The X page of the Naismith Awards posted their celebratory moment with the caption:
In that crucial quarter, Gilbert’s 15 points helped the Tigers maintain control and head into the fourth with a 62-57 lead. LSU eventually held on in the final moments to secure the win.
Williams finished with 16 points, while Morrow added 14 points and 14 rebounds. Johnson also contributed 12 points to help LSU continue its dominance in the SEC.
The three players have been instrumental to LSU’s success all season, and their efforts were highlighted as they all made the Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year Watch List. Additionally, Johnson and Morrow earned spots on the midseason Wooden Award Watch List, which recognizes the nation’s top college basketball player.
Despite the loss, Tennessee showed a significant fight, led by Ruby Whitehorn’s 21 points. Jewel Spears contributed 19 points, and Talaysia Cooper and Zee Spearman chipped in with 16 and 15 points, respectively.
After a thrilling victory over UConn, the Lady Vols hoped to carry that momentum into this matchup. However, their defense was unable to keep up with LSU’s powerful trio, which made all the difference in the final moments.
LSU’s Stars Continue to Shine
The Lady Vols were unable to match LSU’s intensity in critical areas, including defense and rebounding, and ultimately fell short of a key SEC victory.
The loss dropped Tennessee to 17-6 overall and 4-6 in SEC play. Their offensive efforts weren’t enough to overcome the combined scoring and playmaking abilities of LSU’s top players.
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The trio of Johnson, Morrow, and Williams continues to prove why they are among the best in the country. Morrow leads the nation with 16 double-doubles and 14 rebounds per game, making her one of the most dominant players in the SEC.
Johnson, meanwhile, has been a consistent scoring threat, leading the team with 19.7 points per game and pulling down 6.1 rebounds. She is the only SEC guard with multiple 20-point double-doubles this season, highlighting her all-around impact on the court.
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