LSU, the No. 3 seed in Greenville, S.C., had already been competing without leading scorer Flau'Jae Johnson, who is dealing with shin inflammation. Johnson is also set to return for the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers won the 2023 national title and made the Elite Eight last year.

In a supportive gesture, Flau'jae Johnson helped carry teammate Aneesah Morrow off the court after she injured her foot.

Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers suffered a 56-49 loss to the Texas Longhorns on Saturday night in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament despite a strong effort down the stretch. Mulkey's program kept it close even with star guard Flau'Jae Johnson out while battling a shin injury,