Senior Temeka Johnson scored a career high 28 points on Thursday as the No. 1-ranked LSU women’s basketball team rolled past Arkansas 90-64, giving the Lady Tigers a share of their first regular season conference title in the school’s history.
With the win, LSU (26-1, 13-0 Southeastern Conference) earned its 13th straight victory.
Coach Pokey Chatman said despite 21 turnovers, the important thing was getting the win.
“It may have been one of the ugliest 26-point wins that we’ve had in a while,” Chatman said. “But when it got down to it, the kids did a good job of executing offensively.”
With the game remaining close through the majority of the first half, LSU began to pull away after two free throws by guard Scholanda Hoston, which gave LSU its biggest lead at 30-19. But Arkansas could not be put away — the Lady Backs responded and headed into the locker rooms down 37-31.
Two quick baskets to begin the second half by junior Seimone Augustus triggered a 24-5 run and gave the Lady Tigers a comfortable 61-33 lead.
“We crashed the boards and were able to get out on transition,” Chatman said. “Some of our turnovers, we’ll definitely clean up, but I’m also pleased with their effort on the boards.”
LSU out-rebounded the Lady Backs 45-26, led by a career-best 11 rebounds by senior Florence Williams.
Chatman said Williams has made good progression in coming off the bench to contribute.
“It takes a special mindset to go in there and crash the boards,” Chatman said. “Flo did an excellent job with that, and I’m extremely pleased with her progression.”
After scoring just five points in Sunday’s 62-57 win at Auburn, Johnson rebounded to add six assists and one steal to her 28 point total.
According to Chatman, a strong ability to score is what defines Johnson as a point guard.
“That’s what separates Temeka,” Chatman said. “There are point guards that look to score but don’t have the ability like Temeka. She has finishing ability.”
Chatman complimented Johnson’s wide array of abilities on the court.
“She can pull up for the mid-range jumper and occasionally knock down a three,” Chatman said. “But more importantly she can create those foul situations. And as you can see, she can knock the free-throws down.”
Johnson was a perfect 12-for-12 from the free throw line against Arkansas.
The Lady Tigers held Arkansas (15-11, 3-10 SEC) to just 27.9 percent shooting while managing to shoot 32 of 57 for 56.1 percent.
LSU also got significant play from the bench after freshman Sylvia Fowles suffered a blow to the head in the first half.
Fowles finished with 11 points and five rebounds in just 15 minutes of play.
Sophomore Hanna Biernacka played 12 minutes while freshman Quianna Chaney put up three points in 15 minutes of play.
“It’s just a matter of being cautious,” Chatman said of limiting Fowles’ playing time. “We thought she felt better when she came back, but we didn’t want to take any chances.”
Sophomore Danielle Allen led Arkansas with 13 points and six rebounds. Arkansas’ leading scorer, Sarah Pfeifer, was held to just six points on 3 of 17 shooting.
LSU will head back to Baton Rouge to conclude its regular season Sunday on Senior night when Florida comes to town.