LSU Women’s Basketball Stuns Nation with Record-Breaking Upset—You Won’t Believe the Final Score

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Kim Mulkey era’s next milestone arrives tonight as No. 5 LSU women’s basketball leaves the comfort of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for its first true road test of the 2025-26 season against Georgia Southern in Statesboro. The matchup doubles as a homecoming for sophomore guard and rap sensation Flau’jae Johnson, whose Savannah roots promise a packed Hill Convocation Center and a high-energy atmosphere. Why this game matters • First road game: LSU dominated two tune-ups in Baton Rouge, scoring 100-plus in back-to-back outings for the first time since last year’s NCAA Tournament run. • Flau’jae’s spotlight: Johnson leads the Tigers at 17.0 ppg and headlines four double-figure scorers. Expect extra minutes and touches with family and fans in the stands. • Statement opportunity: Georgia Southern is 0-40 all-time vs. ranked foes, but the Eagles pushed Florida State deep into the fourth quarter earlier this week and boast an attacking backcourt that can test LSU’s new-look defense. Offensive fireworks on tap Through two games LSU averages an eye-popping 110.0 points and shoots 56 percent from the floor. Freshman phenom ZaKiyah Johnson and Iowa State transfer Bella Hines stretch defenses on the perimeter, while 6-5 Ukrainian center Kate Koval already owns the paint with 10.5 rebounds per contest. That balance forced Southeastern Louisiana into 19 turnovers and 19 percent shooting Thursday, sealing an 89-point rout that tied a program record for margin of victory. Keys to watch tonight 1. Road-ready composure: Mulkey’s crew features four newcomers in the rotation; how they handle early runs and a loud mid-major arena will reveal March-level toughness. 2. Rebounding edge: LSU’s plus-28 margin on the glass is fueled by Koval and sophomore forward Grace Knox. Georgia Southern’s up-tempo style can create long rebounds—transition execution will be critical. 3. Bench spark: Redshirt freshman point guard Hailey Van Norman provides pace behind All-SEC floor general Hailey Mipson (7.0 apg). Mulkey hinted she wants 20+ bench points to keep starters fresh for the upcoming ACC/SEC Challenge. SEC implications The Tigers were picked second behind South Carolina in preseason polling, yet their schedule sets up an early climb: after tonight LSU hosts nationally ranked Virginia Tech before visiting No. 14 Louisville. A convincing road win in Statesboro solidifies LSU’s top-five standing and bolsters its NET rating ahead of December’s marquee showdowns. Recruiting ripple effect With 2026 five-star commit Lola Lampley already in the fold, LSU continues to audition for elite prospects. Exposure in talent-rich Georgia is strategic; Mulkey’s staff landed Johnson out of Savannah and recently extended offers to two Peach State juniors. Expect recruits to monitor Johnson’s performance closely. Projected starting lineups LSU: Hailey Mipson, Flau’jae Johnson, ZaKiyah Johnson, Grace Knox, Kate Koval Georgia Southern: Terren Ward, Janiah Roberts, Eden Johnson, Aaliyah Peacock, Lynsey Lewis Bottom line If LSU’s depth travels and the Tigers commit to rebounding, the defending national runners-up should pull away late. Yet Georgia Southern’s scrappy guard play could keep things interesting into the second half, especially if the Eagles heat up from three. For Mulkey, the night is less about the scoreboard and more about sharpening a championship rotation—and giving Flau’jae Johnson a memorable return to her home state.