Lockdown defense by Tennessee sends LSU Basketball to 14th loss of the season

On Tuesday Night, the LSU Tigers had a chance to pick up their biggest win of the season against the 5th ranked Tennessee Volunteers. Instead, the game resembled the last game LSU played against Florida, some promising stretches but, long scoreless streaks cost LSU the game losing 65-59.

The teams were kind to the television viewers waiting to get most of the scoring going until the Florida Vs Georgia game ended. The first half quickly became a rock fight as the team’s combined for 14 first half turnovers and both shot 34% from the field. The Tigers defense was good enough to help the Tigers overcome a near 7-minute scoring drought along with the Tigers’ struggles shooting the three pointer.

Vyctorius Miller was the lone Tiger having success from the field scoring 10 first half points. The Tigers trailed 26-23 at the half scoring their lowest total in a half all season long but, the defense was solid keeping the Tigers in the game.

The Volunteer’s defense was daunting to start the second half forcing turnovers while taking an 11 point lead. The Tigers kept fighting to keep the game close but, eventually the Volunteers defense was too much to handle. LSU went on one of their patented scoring draughts which allowed Tennessee to push the game out of reach.

The Tigers were able to get a few stops down the stretch and hit shots going on a 10-1 run to make Tennessee sweat and while the fight was inspiring it wasn’t enough to come back.

The high notes for LSU

Vyctorius Miller was the lone player to have success offensively for the Tigers leading the team with 17 points on 6-11 shooting from the field, as SEC play has progressed, he’s taken a next step and will be better for it next year.

The low notes for LSU

Daimon Collins and Robert Miller combined to go 6-6 from the field but, the Tigers weren’t able to get the ball into the paint enough. Cam Carter had a rough night shooting going 3-10 from the field and 1-6 from three scoring 10 points, for as good of a player Carter is, he should be getting far more than 10 attempts. Part of LSU’s struggles as of late is the lack of scoring from Jordan Sears who scored just two points in this game and has scored only 12 points over the last five games.

The Tigers once again got dominated on the glass getting out rebounded 44-28 which is never going to allow you a chance to win the game against a team as good as Tennessee.

LSU now falls to 14-14 on the season with a final stretch of three Top 25 opponents left to play.