Flau'jae Johnson's Mother Defends Daughter After LSU Loss

Brooks cites WNBA draft projections and jersey sales in support of LSU star.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:34pm

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After LSU's loss to South Carolina, Flau'jae Johnson's mother Kia Brooks jumped on Instagram Live to defend her daughter, arguing that Johnson 'is beating South Carolina in real life' and will likely be drafted higher than any South Carolina player in the 2026 WNBA draft. Brooks pointed to Johnson's strong jersey sales as further evidence of her star power, even though Johnson missed two key free throws late in the game.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the intense rivalry between LSU and South Carolina in women's basketball, as well as the growing influence of player families and social media in shaping the narrative around high-profile college basketball programs and players.

The details

In the 79-72 loss to South Carolina, Flau'jae Johnson scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, but missed two crucial free throws in the final minute with LSU trailing by one. Despite the loss, Johnson's mother Kia Brooks took to Instagram Live to passionately defend her daughter, arguing that Johnson 'carried that game' and 'is beating South Carolina in real life.' Brooks also claimed that Johnson is likely to be drafted higher than any South Carolina player in the 2026 WNBA draft, and pointed to Johnson's strong jersey sales as evidence of her rising star power.

  • LSU lost to South Carolina 79-72 on February 20, 2026.
  • Kia Brooks went on Instagram Live immediately after the game to defend her daughter.

The players

Flau'jae Johnson

A star player for the LSU women's basketball team who scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the loss to South Carolina.

Kia Brooks

The mother of Flau'jae Johnson who went on Instagram Live to passionately defend her daughter after the LSU loss.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team, who has led the Gamecocks to 18 straight wins over LSU.

Hunter Cruse

A Bleacher Report writer who has Flau'jae Johnson projected to be drafted 6th overall in the 2026 WNBA draft, one pick ahead of South Carolina guard Ta'Niya Latson.

Ta'Niya Latson

A star guard for the South Carolina women's basketball team who is projected to be drafted shortly after Flau'jae Johnson in the 2026 WNBA draft.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This incident highlights the intense rivalry between LSU and South Carolina in women's basketball, as well as the growing influence of player families and social media in shaping the narrative around high-profile college basketball programs and players. It also underscores the rising star power of Flau'jae Johnson, who is projected to be a high draft pick in the 2026 WNBA draft despite her team's loss to South Carolina.