LSU's Mulkey Unfazed by Johnson's Slump Ahead of SEC Tourney

Coach confident star player will bounce back as Tigers prepare for postseason

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey isn't concerned about star player Flau'jae Johnson's recent scoring slump, saying the team has depth to support her and that Johnson will be "fine" as the No. 6 Tigers head into the SEC Tournament. Mulkey praised the strong performances of other players like Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley in the team's regular season-ending win over Mississippi State.

Why it matters

LSU is a top contender for the SEC title and a deep NCAA Tournament run, so Mulkey's confidence in Johnson's ability to break out of her slump is crucial as the Tigers prepare for the postseason. Johnson's scoring has been a key factor in LSU's success this season, so maintaining her production will be vital.

The details

Despite Johnson's struggles, the Tigers were able to secure a 72-63 road win over Mississippi State to cap their regular season. Mikaylah Williams recorded a double-double with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while MiLaysia Fulwiley added 16 points. Mulkey noted that the team's depth will help support Johnson as she looks to regain her form, saying "Not a lot of things that you got to put on her shoulders."

  • LSU wrapped up its regular season with the win over Mississippi State on March 1, 2026.
  • The SEC Women's Basketball Tournament is scheduled for next week in Greenville, South Carolina.

The players

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU women's basketball team.

Flau'jae Johnson

A star player for the LSU women's basketball team who has been in a recent scoring slump.

Mikaylah Williams

An LSU player who recorded a double-double with 26 points and 15 rebounds in the win over Mississippi State.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

An LSU player who scored 16 points in the win over Mississippi State.

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What they’re saying

“When all of them are playing really good, it's fun. And this game can humble you.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach (theadvertiser.com)

“I think every since the Ole Miss come-from-behind win, (Fulwiley's) confidence has just gone up. I think a lot of it also is Jada (Richard) on the floor with her and allows her a little more freedom at the off guard versus putting her always at the point where she's got to be responsible for everybody on the floor. I think that has helped her. She's just extremely quick and when a lot of things burn down, she can improvise and do some things to get by people.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach (theadvertiser.com)

“She's probably her hardest critic. She'll be fine. We got a lot of depth that'll help her. Not a lot of things that you got to put on her shoulders. Every athlete goes through probably, I don't want to use the word slump, but I think in Flau'jae's mind, she was 1 for 6 tonight? But that's Mikaylah and everybody else's job to help her get out of it and find her. And they do, try to get the ball to her in places where she's scored. Got to do a lot of other things. This game is not just about scoring. Go rebound, go defend. Flau'jae's fine, she will be fine.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach (theadvertiser.com)

What’s next

The LSU women's basketball team will compete in the SEC Tournament next week in Greenville, South Carolina.

The takeaway

Despite star player Flau'jae Johnson's recent scoring struggles, LSU coach Kim Mulkey remains confident in her team's depth and ability to support Johnson as they prepare for the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament. The Tigers' strong performances from other key players like Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley suggest the team is well-positioned for a deep postseason run.