Senior Temeka Johnson matched a career-best 15 assists as LSU topped the Lady Gators 76-52 in an emotional Senior Day Sunday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
With the win, LSU (27-1, 14-0 Southeastern Conference) clinched its first outright regular season conference title in the program’s history.
With Florida and LSU remaining close through the first half, a field goal by Florida’s Tashia Morehead with 2:07 remaining in the half to bring the score to 32-26 marked their last field goal for over eight minutes. Holding Florida scoreless the first six minutes of the second half, LSU took advantage of its strong defense to put together a 19-0 run, giving the Lady Tigers a comfortable 51-26 lead with just under 14 minutes remaining.
Coach Pokey Chatman said a strong offensive and defensive effort is what carried LSU to its 14th straight victory.
“The bottom line is that, defensively, we did enough to hold Florida at 32 percent,” Chatman said. “And on the flip side of that, we shot 53 percent.”
Thanks to the shooting of freshman Quianna Chaney, the Lady Tigers shot 55.6 percent in the first half.
Coming off the bench, Chaney nailed three shots from outside the arc. Chaney finished with 16 points in 15 minutes of play.
“It’s just one of those things,” Chatman said. “She’s shooting from 25 feet but it looks like a 15 foot shot. That’s why she has the green light because her shot preparation is so good.”
The Lady Gators were led by senior Morehead, who finished with 17 points and six rebounds.
Florida coach Carolyn Pack said Morehead carried the team in the Gator’s loss.
“Tasha Morehead played like an all-American today,” Pack said. “She tried to pick this team up on her back.”
LSU junior Seimone Augustus scored 19 points while senior Tillie Willis led the team with six rebounds.
Following the game the Lady Tigers 2004-05 regular season title banner was lowered to the cheers of 10,185 fans.
Johnson, one of four seniors honored, said former coach Sue Gunter was on her mind during the Senior Day festivities.
“I was emotional when the banner dropped,” Johnson said. “But not being able to share it physically with Sue is something that made me emotional.”
With Johnson’s 119th straight game started on Sunday, Chatman said it is what Johnson does away from the court that makes her special.
“She’s the glue when the staff is not around,” Chatman said. “She’s been tremendous in her effort and her leadership.”
Johnson was honored along with seniors Willis, Crystal White and Florence Williams.
The four seniors were greeted with a standing ovation as they were taken out of the game with just over a minute remaining.
Florence Williams played 15 minutes in scoring two points with one rebound. Williams is coming off a career-best 11 rebound effort last week at Arkansas.
LSU now will prepare for this week’s SEC Tournament in Greenville, S.C. LSU earned a No. 1 seed and will begin the tournament Friday.
With the regular season now complete and the post-season coming up, Chatman said that despite a strong season, it still must all come together.
“I think if the effort, energy and execution all come together for a longer period of time, we can win,” Chatman said. “It’s because of the people, the system and it’s because of how they play. I’m waiting for that day.”