Flau'Jae Johnson 4, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball take on Texas Tech in the 2026 NCAA Div I Women’s Basketball Championship at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Sunday, March 22, 2026. SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

LSU's Flau'jae Johnson gets send-off she deserves in PMAC finale

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 6:57 PM ET

LSU Tigers senior guard Flau'jae Johnson played her final game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) on Sunday, and it was a send-off fit for one of the greatest to ever don the purple and gold.

Regional 2 - Sacramento No. 2 seed LSU (29-5, 12-4 in SEC) easily moved to a fourth consecutive Sweet 16 with a 101-47 win over the No. 7 Texas Tech Lady Raiders (26-8, 12-6 in Big 12), Johnson — as she has all season — playing a substantial role.

The two-time first-team All-SEC guard (2024, 2025) tied junior guard Mikaylah Williams for a team-high 24 points, shooting 9-of-13 (2-of-4 on three-point attempts), and adding four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Flau'jae Johnson stars in final home game as LSU advances to fourth consecutive Sweet 16

The Tigers, who led by as many as 56, started to break away in the second quarter — winning the frame 24-11 — but truly broke contain after halftime, outscoring the Lady Raiders 33-7 in the third quarter.

That's when Johnson had arguably her best highlight of the game, delivering a full-court assist to teammate ZaKiyah Johnson, who converted the scoring chance into a layup, giving LSU a 60-28 advantage.

JOHNSON TO JOHNSON MADNESS

ABC pic.twitter.com/StiUxiq1P2
— LSU Women's Basketball (@LSUwbkb) March 22, 2026

With the game out of reach in the early moments of the fourth quarter, LSU coach Kim Mulkey pulled Johnson to a rousing ovation, giving Johnson an emotional farewell.

Flau'jae Johnson checks out for her final time as an LSU Tiger at the PMAC ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AIYdRoxE6u
— ESPN (@espn) March 22, 2026

Johnson, overcome with emotion, cried as she hugged Mulkey, then gestured toward the crowd as she made her way to the bench. It was a moving moment for a player who earned the reception.

Johnson was named SEC Rookie of the Year during LSU's 2023 championship-winning season, and she has since moved her way up the program's record books. Sunday marked her 140th career game, moving Johnson into a tie with Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame guard Seimone Augustus for fifth-most in LSU history. Johnson also ranks fifth in scoring (2,050 points), including third in the NCAA Tournament (233), trailing Augustus and Sylvia Fowles.

Flau'jae Johnson's final home game at LSU with a tournament run in sight

NCAA champion
SEC Freshman of the Year
2x First Team All-SEC pic.twitter.com/T7zKfPna9D
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 22, 2026

LSU takes on the No. 3 seed Duke Blue Devils, who defeated the No. 6 Baylor Bears, 69-46, in the regional semifinals.

The Tigers, who have the nation's top scoring offense, averaging 95.3 points per game, have scored 217 points through two games, the most in the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament in program history, topping the mark set by last year's squad.

Sunday was also the team's 16th time scoring at least 100 points this season, extending its Division I single-season record.

With some time to reflect before prepping for the next round, Johnson spoke with ESPN following Sunday's game and discussed the atmosphere in her final PMAC game.

"I could have never imagined nothing better. I thank my teammates, I thank coach Mulkey.

"I just hope y'all know I gave it everything. And I want to thank y'all for giving me everything," Johnson added. (h/t ESPN)

Based on how explosive LSU has been through its first two tournament games, Johnson appears to have plenty more to give.

And despite those tears, Sunday was nothing but a joyous occasion for the four-year star guard. After all the success she's had on her home court — finishing with a 68-3 record — it was the perfect ending.

Flau'jae Johnson just played her final home game for LSU @Flaujae

She had a 68-3 record at home. pic.twitter.com/r0DJspwZgm
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 22, 2026

"This not bittersweet for me," Johnson told ESPN. "Just sweet."

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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