Flau’jae Johnson sends message to LSU after Aneesah Morrow’s 2 fouls in first half vs South Carolina

Flau'jae Johnson and LSU found themselves in a tight battle with South Carolina on Friday at Colonial Life Arena, with the Tigers trailing the Gamecocks 30-33 at the break. Such was the close nature of the contest that 11 lead changes were witnessed in the opening half of the SEC showdown.

After the first half ended, Holly Rowe interviewed Johnson and asked her what she thought would be the key to the second half. The LSU star said the Tigers needed their key players to avoid foul trouble. Aneesah Morrow and Shayeann Day-Wilson each committed two fouls in the first half.

"All we have to do is the same thing. It’s about execution," Johnson said. "Our point guards sat out probably with four minutes to go. That’s crucial for us so we got to stay out of foul trouble."

Flau'jae Johnson led the Tigers in scoring in the first half with 11 points. She shot 5-for-13 from the field, including 1-of-4 from beyond the arc. She also had three rebounds and two steals during that period.

The Tigers struggled in the closing stages of the first half, missing their last 14 field-goal attempts over the final 4:51 of the second quarter. The Gamecocks took full advantage, unleashing a 6-1 run to end the opening half.

Foul trouble dooms Flau'Jae Johnson's LSU as Tigers pick up first loss vs South Carolina

LSU Lady Tigers guard Aneesah Morrow (24) shoots a free throw against the South Carolina Gamecocks. (Credits: IMAGN)

Foul trouble continued to hound the LSU Tigers in the second half as they picked up their first loss of the season against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Aneesah Morrow fouled out with 46.3 seconds left in South Carolina’s 66-56 win, while Flau’jae Johnson and Sa’Myah Smith each had four fouls.

Morrow recorded her 93rd career double-double before making the early exit, scoring 15 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. After a fast start against South Carolina, Johnson struggled, scoring just two points in the second half. She finished the game with 13 points on 6-for-19 shooting. Mikaylah Williams added 13 points for the Tigers, who dropped to 20-1.

Joyce Edwards led the scoring for the Gamecocks, who stretched their unbeaten run at home to 69 games. She delivered off the bench with 14 points and four boards. Sania Feagin was the other player to score in double figures for South Carolina, recording 12 points and seven rebounds. Tessa Johnson added nine points for the Gamecocks, who improved their record to 19-1.

South Carolina continued its dominance against LSU, with the Gamecocks winning their last 17 games against the Tigers. Dawn Staley’s team used a third-quarter surge to pull off their latest victory, with South Carolina outscoring LSU 18-11 during that period.