ZaKiyah Johnson scored 33 points and pulled down 13 rebounds as LSU women's basketball opened its 2026/27 NCAA college season with a 129-35 win over the Southeastern Lions on Sunday.
The sophomore guard went 2-of-3 from 3-point range, a part of her game she's looked to build on heading into her second year. She also added a block and two steals on the defensive end in the Tigers' first blowout of the season.
LSU Depth Powers Big Win in 2026/27 NCAA Season Debut
Her teammate Mikaylah Williams matched that production with 19 points, five rebounds, and six assists of her own. Meanwhile, former South Carolina star MiLaysia Fulwiley contributed 20 points and a team-high six steals to make up for a choppy shooting night.
On the other side of the ball, LSU's defense was suffocating, racking up 24 steals and a 54-19 rebounding edge while limiting Southeastern to 27% from the field. The 94-point gap ranked as the widest college basketball score margin on opening night.
And it couldn't come at a better time for the Tigers. That depth is a welcome sign for an NCAA women’s basketball program still filling the void left by WNBA rookie Flau’jae Johnson. Coach Kim Mulkey managed to secure the bulk of last year's rotation, while the addition of freshman center Anna Maeva gives LSU another post option up front.
Next up on the NCAA schedule, LSU returns home to host Texas Southern on Thursday.
