The LSU Tigers continue their triumphant march through the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, securing a hard-fought victory over the UCLA Bruins in the Sweet 16 round, with a final score of 78-69. Amidst the exhilarating display of skill and teamwork, one player’s performance has stirred up a whirlwind of discussion and debate among fans: Flau’jae Johnson.
As the final buzzer echoed through the arena, signaling the Tigers’ advancement to the Elite 8, it was evident that the spotlight had once again fallen on the dynamic trio of Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, and Angel Reese. Together, they amassed an impressive 57 points, showcasing their undeniable talent and determination on the court. However, despite Reese’s commendable double-double performance, it seems that some fans were left questioning her contributions to the team’s success.
In the realm of social media, where opinions fly freely and emotions run high, criticisms of Reese’s gameplay began to surface. Accusations of selfishness and disregard for her teammates, particularly Johnson, spread like wildfire across various platforms. Johnson, who led the game in scoring and demonstrated her prowess with 12 rebounds, found herself at the center of comparison and scrutiny.
One disgruntled fan took to Twitter to express their frustration, stating, “Angel Reese does a lot of things that are important but if Flau’jae wasn’t doing the scoring this team would be cooked.” This sentiment seemed to echo the sentiments of many who felt that Reese’s performance paled in comparison to Johnson’s standout contributions.
Angel Reese does a lot of things that are important but if Flau’jae wasn’t doing the scoring this team would be cooked
— Em (@emmyyline) March 30, 2024
Off the court, amidst the buzz surrounding LSU’s victory, attention turned to head coach Kim Mulkey, whose personal life became the subject of a controversy. Despite the distractions, the Tigers remained focused and undeterred, with their sights set firmly on their next challenge.
For Johnson, whose talents have often been overshadowed by her more prominent teammates, this game served as a reminder of her undeniable skill and resilience. Despite playing second fiddle to Reese in terms of recognition and accolades, Johnson’s stellar performance spoke volumes about her importance to the team’s success.
Throughout the season, Johnson has consistently proven herself as a force to be reckoned with, yet she has often been overlooked in favor of her higher-profile counterparts. Fans took to various platforms to voice their support for Johnson, emphasizing her pivotal role in the team’s success and calling for her to receive the recognition she deserves.
Flau’jae Johnson has been the best player for LSU all season yet doesn’t even get half the credit or attention Angel Reese gets.
— Jacob Rogan (@j_rogan42) March 30, 2024
Angel Reese wants to be that girl so bad. Just give the ball to Flau’jae
— Aseda. (@sonofkoom) March 30, 2024
Angel Reese has been spectacular, but Flau’jae has been the MVP of today’s game. She’s brought the energy, leadership, big buckets and maturity. She has delivered in a big way. https://t.co/QmDgjuUo7p
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) March 30, 2024
They need to talk about Flau’jae Johnson like they do Angel Reese
— Benny Hardaway (@BennyTheJET2) March 30, 2024
Renowned sports journalist Jemele Hill weighed in on the debate, hailing Johnson as the MVP of the night and applauding her leadership qualities and maturity on the court. Hill’s words echoed the sentiments of many fans who believe that Johnson’s contributions should not be underestimated or undervalued.
As the Tigers prepare to face off against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite 8, anticipation is high for what promises to be a thrilling showdown. With Johnson’s star on the rise and Reese’s talent undeniable, fans eagerly await the next chapter in LSU’s quest for glory. As the clash of titans looms on the horizon, one thing is certain: Flau’jae Johnson’s impact on the court cannot be ignored, and her resilience and determination will continue to inspire fans and teammates alike.
