"She got a clip, she can shoot that thing": Flau'jae Johnson praises LSU freshman for stepping up when Aneesah Morrow and other vets were in trouble

LSU guard Flau'jae Johnson was impressed with how her teammate Jada Richard stepped up during the Tigers' game against Texas A&M on Sunday. In a return game to PMAC after the big loss to South Carolina, Kim Mulkey's group overcame a sluggish start to win 64-51.

During the postgame press conference, Johnson was asked about the team's performance in the final minutes of the first half when she, Aneesah Morrow and Mikaylah Williams sat out with foul trouble.

"I was really happy about Jada. She’s just so confident in what she does, so we encourage her to shoot the ball," Flau'jae said (1:54). "She’s got a clip — she can shoot that thing.

"We just believe in her to be able to make decisions, even as a freshman. I’m just so glad that she got those minutes and she was able to do what she does. But that’s when people have to step up, and I think we had some lapses, but that’s expected. Scoring went down a little bit, but that’s expected as well. I think Jada really managed the time really well."

The Tigers were down by a point in the first quarter but retook the lead early in the second quarter with a 10-0 run. Morrow had 10 points at the half, with Flau'jae Johnson adding 8. Richard scored 7 points on 3-of-6 shooting before the break.

"I just need to do whatever to help my team as a freshman," Richard said. "It’s kind of hard finding your role, but I’ve always been a leader, so just kind of trying to lead the players in the game, and as well as whoever else came in the game."

Every time the 5-foot-7 freshman has some significant minutes, she has delivered with her scoring ability and poise. Richard scored her highest 11 points, playing 26 minutes against Charleston Southern in November.

Flau'jae Johnson stats vs Texas A&M (Jan. 26)

Flau'jae Johnson, a junior guard from Savannah, Georgia, had a solid all-around game against the Aggies on Sunday. She had another 20-point performance, finishing the game with 22 points on 7-of-18 shooting.

Here's more on Johnson's stat line:

• 30 minutes played
• 5 rebounds
• 2 assists
• 4 steals
• 0 blocks
• 4 turnovers
• 7-18 FG
• 0-5 3PT
• 8-8 FT

Flau'jae Johnson has been a crucial piece for LSU's 21-1 (6-1 SEC) start this season. Through 22 games she is leading the team in scoring at 19.7 points per game while also grabbing 6.0 rebounds and dishing out 2.8 assists.