Flau’jae Johnson, Kim Mulkey share emotional moment after final LSU home game

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23 March 2026 at 01:40

LSU basketball star Flau’jae Johnson took the court at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) in Baton Rouge on Sunday afternoon for the final time, as the Tigers stormed past the Texas Tech Red Raiders, 101-47, to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16.

Johnson put on a show in front of the home crowd at the PMAC, tying for a team-high 24 points, adding four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

With the game well in hand midway through the fourth quarter, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey checked Flau’jae out of the game so she could receive a final standing ovation.

MORE: LSU basketball star Flau’jae Johnson, Lane Kiffin link before final PMAC game

It was a special and emotional moment for Flau’jae and Mulkey, who have built a strong relationship throughout her four years at LSU, with both women breaking into tears as the Tigers crowd roared.

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

Before Sunday’s game, Mulkey was already emotional when speaking about Johnson’s impact on the program.

“She took a chance on LSU before this staff ever won big,” Mulkey said, via FOX Sports. “That’s why you get emotional about a Flau’Jae. And just her spirit, her soul, her joyous personality. I get emotional because that kid just meant so much to our program.”

Apr 2, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Flau’jae Johnson (4) lifts up LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the final round of the Women’s Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Throughout her illustrious career at LSU, Johnson won a national championship, became a two-time All-American, and was named SEC Freshman of the Year.

This season, Johnson is averaging 14 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.

The Tigers will face the winner of No. 3 seed Duke vs. No. 6 Baylor in their next matchup on Friday, March 27, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.