Reagan Cotten
LSU women’s basketball freshman guard Flau'jae Johnson (4) attempts a layup on Friday, March 31, 2023, during LSU’s 79-72 victory over Virginia Tech in the NCAA Final Four in the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
LSU’s 81-67 win over Mississippi State meant a little more to Flau’jae Johnson.
Last season, the Tigers fell to Mississippi State 77-73 in Starkville. Jerkaila Jordan led the Bulldogs with 24 points, shooting 9-for-17 from the field and 3-for-3 from behind the arc.
Despite Johnson scoring 18 points of her own, Jordan called her out on X (formerly known as Twitter), calling her “Little 4.”
On Sunday, Johnson held Jordan to just nine points, shooting just 2-for-12 from the field.
“It was personal,” Johnson said. “I was thinking about that since last year.”
On the other hand, Johnson scored 20 points, shooting 6-for-12 from the field, and 4-for-6 from three.
She also tied her career-high in blocks with four. Ironic? Perhaps. But Johnson used that to her advantage, affirming that she’s “Big 4.”
“I’m a competitor,” Johnson said. “I didn’t care if I scored this game, as long as I did what I did on defense.”
Johnson made sure to praise her teammate beside her, Jersey Wolfenbarger, who finished with 12 points and seven rebounds.
Wolfenbarger’s role increased due to the absence of Sa’Myah Smith, who was unable to play because of her ejection on Thursday against Oklahoma. Johnson made sure to let her know, as she often does, that she is proud of her.
“It’s good to see her come out of her shell, because we need that going into the tournament,” Johnson said.