There are no easy games in the SEC, no matter who you play, and that was the case against Missouri.
LSU entered the game at 23-1 and ranked No. 6 in the nation, while Missouri sits at 12-12 with a 1-8 record in conference play.
However, despite not having the season it wanted so far, Missouri challenged the No. 6 team in the country despite losing 71-60.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
When in doubt, go to Flau’Jae
It came to no one’s surprise that when things weren’t going LSU’s way, it was Flau’Jae Johnson who stepped up to help her team come out on top in the end.
LSU shot 39% from the field and 46% from the three-point line. Outside of their 3-point shooting, the Tigers struggled on the offensive side of the ball.
Missouri took the lead in the third quarter after hitting a free throw; the image of one of the best teams in the country losing started to look more likely.
However, LSU regained the lead with less than two minutes left, but it was still by only five points. If Missouri had only trailed by single digits in the third quarter, it could’ve gotten scary for LSU.
That’s when Flau’Jae Johnson came to the rescue.
Johnson led the team with 19 points and seven rebounds while shooting 50% from the field.
During the last 1:13, Johnson scored the team’s last seven points heading into the fourth quarter, which gave LSU just enough to come out on top.
There weren’t a lot of positives offensively from the Tigers, but that stretch by Johnson where she was able to extend the lead before the fourth turned out to be massive for LSU.
Defense saves the game
“The best offense is a good defense” is not just a saying; it’s a lifestyle for teams coached by Kim Mulkey.
LSU wanted to forget the first half against Missouri on Thursday. LSU only shot 40% from the field, turned the ball over eight times and only scored 31 points.
However, LSU still led at the half, thanks to their defense.
LSU held its opponent to 35.5% from the field, 22.2% from the three-point line and forced six turnovers.
While Missouri started to get its shots to fall more efficiently in the second half, LSU was still able to apply pressure defensively by forcing 16 turnovers.
Although LSU didn’t win the turnover battle by a significant margin, the points off turnovers led the Tigers to victory. The purple and gold added 21 points to the scoreboard, turning their opportunistic defense into an efficient offensive attack.
Mjracle Sheppard steps up big
LSU went into the portal this offseason and got something that was a glaring issue a season ago: guard depth.
The Tigers added three guards to their roster to have multiple options in the backcourt. When it’s not someone’s day, someone else will step up.
Tonight, it was Mjracle Sheppard.
Sheppard has been in and out of the rotation, only averaging 8.6 minutes per game and roughly 3 points per game, but that was not the case tonight.
Sheppard recorded a season-high 11 points in her 28 minutes of play while also having seven rebounds and leading the team with a plus-minus of +17.
She provided great on-ball pressure defensively and was able to get to her spots on offense where she could contribute.
With guards like Shayeann Day-Wilson or Kailyn Gilbert who have established roles on the team, it was hard for Sheppard to see consistent playing time, but with her performance against Missouri, it may be time to keep looking in her direction.
