Mulkey: Johnson (shin) of LSU will miss the SEC tournament
LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has announced that junior guard Flau’jae Johnson will be sidelined for the upcoming Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament due to shin inflammation. This decision aims to ensure Johnson’s full recovery ahead of the NCAA Tournament.
Johnson, the Tigers’ leading scorer, has been instrumental in LSU’s successful season, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. She boasts impressive shooting percentages, with 46.5% from the field and 37.2% from beyond the arc.
The shin inflammation has been a concern since mid-February, notably affecting Johnson’s performance in recent games. In LSU’s overtime loss to No. 20 Alabama, she scored a season-low six points, breaking her streak of 37 consecutive double-digit scoring games.
Coach Mulkey emphasized the importance of Johnson’s health for the team’s long-term goals, stating, “I don’t think Flau’jae’s best basketball has come in the last couple of weeks, so let’s rest her. It’s not worth it.”
In Johnson’s absence, LSU faced challenges, including a recent loss to Ole Miss, where a 13-point halftime lead dissipated in the second half, resulting in an 85-77 defeat. The Tigers committed 23 turnovers, highlighting the need for adjustments without their star guard.
Looking ahead, LSU holds a double-bye in the SEC Tournament and is projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The team aims to have Johnson return at full strength for the national competition, underscoring her pivotal role in their pursuit of postseason success.
