The LSU Basketball team kicked off SEC play on Saturday as the Tigers played host to the Vanderbilt Commodores. The game was a back and fourth affair as LSU fought back to tie the game in the second half but, down the stretch Vanderbilt was red hot. The Tigers lost 80-72 dropping LSU to 11-3 and 0-1 in SEC Play.
Early on both teams went on extended scoring droughts as they struggled adjusting to the defensive pressure and the physical play of the SEC. The Tigers struggled far more turning the ball over 11 times resulting in 15 points off of turnover while Vandy turned it over just 3 times allowing two points off of turnovers.
Both teams struggled from the field as a result of the tough defense with LSU shooting 47.4% while Vandy made 44.1% of their shots. The Commodores troubles shooting the three pointer kept LSU in this game in the first half as they made just 2 of 14 attempts.
The second half started and the Tigers finally realized they could get whatever they wanted on the inside. Cam Carter and Jordan Sears took turns gashing the Commodores as their lead slowly dwindled. Carter got red hot in the second half like we've seen most of the year getting great looks at the rim while getting hot from three point range helping LSU keep pace with Vanderbilt who found their game from three.
Down the stretch the game became a back and forth as LSU kept pulling within Vanderbilt every time the Commodores made a run. The Tigers got a steal down five under two minutes to go but, the referees somehow didn't grant Matt McMahon or Jordan Sears leading to a jump ball which sealed the game.
Corey Chest was mostly a rebounder in conference play, he now looks like a key piece for LSU in SEC play as he was effective inside scoring 12 while grabbing 5 rebounds with a block. As LSU tries to replace the presence of Jalen Reed, Chest has to be the player that the Tigers turn to to score on the interior.
Cam Carter continues his incredible season stepping up in a big way for the Tigers scoring 22 points on 8 of 17 shooting with 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Jordan Sears struggled from the field but, he was effective getting to the free throw line knocking down all 8 attempts while scoring 17 points.
While Vanderbilt got massive performances from their bench scoring 38 points, LSU's bench struggled mightily scoring just 8 points.
Turnovers proved costly for the LSU Tigers
In the first half, LSU put itself in a massive hole turning the ball over 11 points allowing 15 points off of turnovers. The Tigers finished the game with 15 turnovers allowing 18 points off of turnovers while Vanderbilt turned it over just 9 times allowing 9 points off of turnovers which was the difference in the game. The Tigers will cut down on their turnovers as they continue to adapt to SEC play but, this was an example of why playing a ton of easier opponents out of conference isn't always the best approach.
The Tigers will face off against Missouri and Ole Miss next week as they eye their first SEC win of the season.