Flau'jae Johnson reveals the key for LSU in second half vs. UCLA

LSU is off to a strong start against UCLA in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament. The Tigers led by as many as 10 points late in the first half and are up 34-27 at the break.

UCLA shot 30.6 percent from the field in the first half and made only 2 of 17 3-point attempts.

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LSU star Flau’jae Johnson joined ABC at halftime and shared the key to the Tigers keeping up their strong play in the second half, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

“We’ve got to tighten up,” Flau’jae Johnson said. “They’re a good team. That’s what good teams do [is go on runs]. We’ve got to minimize their runs, maximize ours and we’ll be OK.”

Londynn Jones hit a 3-pointer for the Bruins just before the halftime buzzer to cut the lead to seven at the break. Jones was 0-for-5 from 3-point range prior to that shot.

While UCLA has struggled shooting the ball, Flau’jae Johnson and the Tigers have been excellent from the field. Johnson led the way, going 4-for-6 on shot attempts and drilling both of her 3-pointers.

Johnson has 13 points and 4 rebounds at the half. She spoke with ABC about the key to her hot start.

“Just trying to be there for my team,” Johnson said. “We’re young, kind of. Mikaylah’s a freshman, Aalyah’s a freshman, so just trying to talk them through it.”

Johnson’s message worked as the two freshmen made big plays in the first half.

Mikaylah Williams had six points on 3-for-5 shooting in the opening 20 minutes, while Aalyah Del Rosario had 2 points and 2 rebounds across six minutes of playing time.

Kim Mulkey not happy with LSU’s transition defense but loving start for Flau’jae Johnson, Angel Reese

In addition to Flau’jae Johnson, Tigers coach Kim Mulkey also spoke with ABC about they key to her team getting a win.

“I think transition has hurt us a little bit,” Mulkey said. “They’ve gotten some breakaways a little bit. I think both teams are playing extremely hard, both teams seem to be a little bit excited and windy.”

While Mulkey didn’t love the transition defense, she did like the start from Johnson, who has been excellent for the Tigers throughout the NCAA Tournament.

“She’s done it the entire playoffs,” Mulkey said. “Flau’jae has taken her game to another level and it’s made us better.”