The LSU Basketball team entered Saturday Night looking to shock the Country as they faced off against the 4th Ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tigers weren't given any shot to win this game let alone keep it close yet, the Tigers showed up and made it a rock fight.
The Tigers did a great job in keeping this game close thanks to how dominant they were on the glass. The Tigers were able to grab 10 offensive rebounds to Alabama's 5 offensive rebound while LSU had the overall rebounding edge winning the battle on the glass 23 to 10. The Tigers' physical defense clearly affected the Tide's high-powered offense as they couldn't get an easy look.
The Tigers' defense also did an incredible job of taking Mark Sears out of this game holding the SEC's leading scorer scoreless in the first half while he did not play in the first
In the second half, LSU continued to frustrate Alabama in part with solid defense but, also with how the offense slowed the game down as Alabama loves to play fast. The Tigers were able to trade leads for stretches of the second half but, found themselves in a hole down the stretch. Down the final stretch the Tigers offense couldn't find the bottom of the bucket and were the victims of some very poor officiating losing this game 80-73.
If the Tigers were even decent let alone good from three point range they would've won this game and they'd be in contention in the SEC. Instead, the Tigers were abysmal making 3 of 23 three point attempts.
Alabama's defense did everything it could to stop Cam Carter yet, he finished the game with 17 points. Corey Chest was the reason LSU was in this game and tied at halftime scoring 12 points while grabbing 18 rebounds as his 9 offensive rebounds gave LSU plenty of chances at second chance points. Jordan Sears did everything he could down the stretch leading LSU with 21 points and 6 assists.
The loss stings as LSU gave Alabama fits in this game and the Tigers now lose to 12-7 and 1-5 in SEC Play but, there are plenty of positives to take away from this game. The Tigers played with the most physicality and toughness they've played with all season and if they carry that style of play forward they'll pick up a few wins.
The LSU Basketball team will look to get back into the win column next week against Top Ranked Auburn and Texas.