In a hard-fought Southeastern Conference matchup, the No. 12 LSU Tigers defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 80-59 on Thursday night at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens. Led by standout performances from Flau’jae Johnson and a dominant fourth quarter, LSU snapped a two-game losing streak to secure their first SEC win of the season, improving to 15-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
The game stayed close through the first three quarters, with Georgia trailing by just nine points heading into the final period. LSU then exploded for 26 points in the fourth, outscoring the Bulldogs 26-15 to seal the victory.
Georgia’s defense put up a strong fight early on, holding LSU to their second-lowest scoring total this season. The Bulldogs even won the third quarter 20-18, thanks to sharp shooting and timely stops. However, LSU’s superior depth shone through as the Tigers racked up 48 points in the paint and grabbed 43 rebounds compared to Georgia’s 35.
Turnovers played a role too, with both teams committing mistakes, but LSU capitalized better in transition. The Tigers blocked eight shots, disrupting Georgia’s rhythm inside.
Standout Player Performances
Flau’jae Johnson led all scorers with 25 points on efficient 9-of-13 shooting, adding four rebounds and two blocks. Her scoring burst in the fourth quarter helped LSU pull away decisively.
MiLaysia Fulwiley came off the bench to contribute 18 points, four rebounds, and four blocks, providing a spark that Georgia struggled to match. Amiya Joyner notched a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while ZaKiyah Johnson added 12 points and seven rebounds.
On the Georgia side, sophomore guard Dani Carnegie poured in 24 points, including 11 in the third quarter alone. Despite her efforts, the Bulldogs’ bench managed only seven points, highlighting a key area where LSU dominated.
Here are the top scorers from the game:
- Flau’jae Johnson (LSU): 25 points, 4 rebounds
- Dani Carnegie (Georgia): 24 points
- MiLaysia Fulwiley (LSU): 18 points, 4 blocks
- Amiya Joyner (LSU): 12 points, 11 rebounds
- ZaKiyah Johnson (LSU): 12 points, 7 rebounds
Team Strategies and Challenges
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey emphasized the importance of interior play post-game, noting how her team’s rebounding edge created second-chance opportunities. The Tigers shot 50 percent from the field, a mark that improved as the game wore on.
Georgia, under coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, focused on perimeter defense but struggled with their own 3-point shooting, going just 4-for-29. This inefficiency allowed LSU to control the pace and limit fast breaks.
Rebounding proved crucial, as LSU’s size advantage led to extra possessions. Georgia fought hard on the boards but could not overcome the Tigers’ athleticism inside.
| Category | LSU | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 80 | 59 |
| Field Goal % | 50% | 38% |
| Rebounds | 43 | 35 |
| Assists | 15 | 12 |
| Blocks | 8 | 3 |
| Bench Points | 44 | 7 |
Impact on Season and Conference Standings
This win gives LSU much-needed momentum after losses to Vanderbilt and another SEC foe, boosting their confidence ahead of a tough matchup against No. 2 Texas on Sunday. The Tigers remain in the hunt for a strong NCAA Tournament seed, with their balanced scoring attack showing promise.
For Georgia, the loss drops them to 1-2 in SEC play, ending a home streak against ranked teams. The Bulldogs have shown improvement this season, starting with a solid non-conference record, but need to address bench production and shooting consistency to climb the standings.
Recent SEC trends highlight the conference’s depth, with teams like South Carolina and Texas dominating headlines. LSU’s victory aligns with their history of bouncing back, much like their resilient 2023 national championship run.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
LSU returns home to face Texas in a high-profile game that could shape the top of the SEC. Fans expect a packed arena, with national TV coverage amplifying the stakes.
Georgia heads to South Carolina for another road test against the undefeated Gamecocks. Improving their 3-point accuracy and bench depth will be key to pulling off upsets in a competitive league.
This matchup underscores the excitement of women’s college basketball in 2026, where rising stars like Johnson and Carnegie are drawing more fans to the sport. Share your thoughts on the game in the comments below, and spread the word by sharing this article with fellow basketball enthusiasts.
