After the LSU vs South Carolina Game — What Happened
On February 14, 2026, the LSU Tigers women’s basketball lost a close 79–72 game to the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball — a matchup that drew major attention nationally. Despite a strong performance (including 21 points and 8 rebounds from Flau’jae Johnson), LSU was unable to secure the win.
Flau’jae’s Mom’s Social Media Reaction
Shortly after the loss, Kia Brooks, Flau’jae Johnson’s mother and manager, took to social media (Instagram Live and other platforms) with a passionate — and controversial — message:
- Brooks acknowledged that LSU didn’t beat South Carolina on the scoreboard but argued that Flau’jae “is beating South Carolina in real life.”
- She praised her daughter’s individual performance and asserted Johnson was the best player on the court despite the outcome.
- Brooks went further, saying Flau’jae’s off-court success — including NIL value, brand deals, and future WNBA draft positioning — eclipses what South Carolina’s players bring.
- She also suggested that no current South Carolina player will be drafted ahead of Johnson in the upcoming WNBA Draft, and cited jersey sales and visibility as proof of her daughter’s broader “real-life” success.
These comments were widely shared and turned viral, attracting both praise and criticism online.
Reactions from Fans & Commentators
Brooks’ remarks sparked a backlash on social media rather than clear public reactions from Flau’jae herself or direct quotes from her LSU teammates:
- Many fans criticized the comments as over the top, especially since they framed individual performance and branding ahead of team success.
- Some commentators argued the focus on Flau’jae’s off-court metrics after a team loss detracted from the game’s actual result.
- Several posts defended Brooks’ passion, saying she was simply supporting her daughter, but the overall tone online leaned toward seeing the rant as controversial and potentially distracting.
Importantly, there have been no official statements released by:
Flau’jae Johnson herself responding to her mother’s comments, or
The LSU Tigers women’s basketball team regarding the social-media fallout.
At this point, the public reaction is mainly fan and media commentary, not confirmed athlete responses.
What This Means for Flau’jae & the Team
- The incident adds another chapter to the heated LSU–South Carolina rivalry, but it hasn’t shifted the competitive reality — South Carolina won the game and continues its strong SEC performance.
- Flau’jae remains one of the most visible players in women’s college basketball, and her mother’s support reflects the growing influence of NIL culture and personal branding in the sport.
- Whether the mother’s comments will impact team dynamics or future media narratives remains something to watch as the season progresses.
Summary: Flau’jae Johnson’s mom publicly defended her daughter after LSU’s loss to South Carolina, asserting that Flau’jae’s overall success “beats” South Carolina in real life. Those comments sparked widespread fan reaction and media coverage, but as of now, there are no direct public responses from Flau’jae herself or her LSU teammates addressing her mother’s statements.
