In a thrilling NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchup on March 28, 2025, the No. 3 LSU Tigers edged out the No. 2 NC State Wolfpack with an 80-73 victory, securing their third consecutive trip to the Elite Eight. The game saw a standout performance from LSU's forward Aneesah Morrow, who dominated the court with a game-high 30 points and 19 rebounds, including nine offensive boards, three steals, and two blocks. Her remarkable effort was crucial in leading the Tigers past a tough NC State squad.
Alongside Morrow, LSU's starters Mikaylah Williams and Sa'Myah Smith combined for an impressive 40 points, while the rest of the team, including star guard Flau'jae Johnson, managed just 10 points total. Johnson, who has averaged 18.8 points per game this season, had a challenging night, remaining scoreless at halftime. The game took a concerning turn when, with just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Johnson suffered an eye injury after a collision with NC State's Zoe Brooks, further complicating her existing shin splints issue that had kept her sidelined for two weeks prior to the tournament.
The atmosphere was charged, and during a second-half timeout, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey was seen giving Johnson a stern look, a moment that quickly went viral on social media. Fans reacted with mixed feelings; some defended Mulkey's tough love approach, emphasizing that it was all about pushing Johnson to perform better. “Flau’Jae have to admit she was struggling,” one fan commented. “It’s okay one bad game. Kim has to do what’s best; it’s not personal, it’s business.”
Despite the scrutiny surrounding the interaction, Johnson later expressed her appreciation for Mulkey's honesty. “Whether you like it or not, she’s going to say what’s on her mind,” Johnson told The Athletic. “I think she just keeps it real, and people like that.”
After the game, Mulkey took a moment to console NC State players, showing her sportsmanship and respect for their efforts. In the postgame handshake line, she offered words of encouragement to Maddie Cox, whose older sister Lauren Cox won a national championship under Mulkey's guidance at Baylor. “This is the part of the game none of us like, Maddie. Get your head up,” Mulkey said, acknowledging the emotional toll of the loss.
Saniya Rivers, another NC State player, also received praise from Mulkey, who noted Rivers' talent and the respect she holds for her. Rivers had considered LSU during her recruitment process and expressed gratitude for Mulkey's recognition. “A lot of respect for coach Kim Mulkey. She's been great to me,” Rivers said. “In the handshake line, she said she loved watching me play and she was proud of me, and it just made me happy to hear.”
Madison Hayes, a graduate student on the NC State team, reflected on her emotional experience after her last college basketball game, stating, “I have much respect for Mulkey and said she is one of the best college coaches in the nation for a reason.”
Before the game, Mulkey had shared a light-hearted moment with NC State coach Wes Moore, highlighting the camaraderie that exists even in competitive sports. However, the mood shifted post-game, as both coaches acknowledged the weight of the moment. Mulkey reiterated her admiration for Moore, stating, “I think the world of Wes Moore. There are certain coaches in your profession you don't like coaching against because they're really, really good, and he is, as a coach, but he's a really good man.”
With the victory, LSU now looks ahead to their next challenge, set to face the winner of the upcoming matchup between No. 1 UCLA and No. 5 Ole Miss on March 30, 2025. Mulkey expressed excitement about the opportunity, particularly for the players who have never experienced the Sweet Sixteen before, stating, “I think there are five in our locker room that have never been to a Sweet Sixteen. So, they certainly haven't been to an Elite Eight.”
As the Tigers prepare for the next round, Mulkey reflected on the importance of their competitive spirit. “This has been a team that's won a lot of close games from the very beginning of the season,” she noted. “Part of it is seniors. Another part of it is leaders, your leadership, your captains. And the third part of it is competitors.”
Despite the pressure of close games, Mulkey emphasized the benefits of such experiences, stating, “I think all these close games, it benefits us to have been in them. I don't like them particularly. I'd like to relax on that sideline and let them relax, but when you get to this level, there are too many good teams.”
As LSU advances in the tournament, the team remains focused on their goal of securing another national championship, with Mulkey leading the way. With a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, the Tigers are poised to make a significant impact as they continue their march through March Madness.
