LSU star Flau'jae Johnson shoots a 3-word message after pulling a 82-65 win against NC State
Flau'jae Johnson and the No. 7 LSU Tigers continued their strong start to the season by claiming the Baha Mar Pink Flamingo Championship after defeating No. 20 NC State 82-65 on Wednesday. The Tigers only struggled during the game’s opening eight minutes as they fought to take the lead over the Wolfpack. Once Aneesah Morrow’s free throw put LSU ahead 18-17, the Tigers never looked back.
After the game, star guard Flau'jae Johnson shared a brief message on X (formerly Twitter) to signify the importance of LSU's latest win.
"Ranked team win," Johnson wrote, reposting a photo of the Tigers with the trophy.
NC State is coming off a Final Four appearance in last season’s NCAA tournament. The game against the Wolfpack was the toughest contest for LSU so far this season. The Tigers’ first seven games were largely against smaller programs or teams with limited recent success.
In the opening game of the Baha Mar Pink Flamingo championship, the Tigers needed a last-second shot to secure the win against Washington. Trailing 67-66, Flau’jae Johnson leaped to save a backcourt violation in the final seconds, and Kailyn Gilbert fought for possession and made a clutch final roll to lift LSU to a dramatic 68-67 victory.
LSU steps up amid Flau'jae Johnson's foul trouble
Flau'jae Johnson, LSU's leading scorer, was expected to play a key role in the championship game — and she delivered, dropping 16 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting (71%).
However, Johnson struggled early in the game. She collected four turnovers and two fouls less than 13 minutes into the contest. With that, LSU coach Kim Mulkey benched her with more than eight minutes left in the first half.
The Tigers rallied without their top offensive player, entering halftime with a 13-point lead. LSU’s defense also held NC State scoreless for the final three minutes of the half.
Apart from Flau'jae Johnson, three Tigers scored in double digits. Mikaylah Williams scored 24 points, while Aneesah Morrow posted a 20-point and 15-rebound double-double. Kailyn Gilbert dropped 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting off the bench.