Another LSU-Arkansas game, another thrilling finish.
The LSU Tigers went back and forth throughout, but a late shot by Craig Victor gave the Tigers a 76-74 win against the Arkansas Razorbacks (9-8, 3-2 SEC).
The Tigers and the Razorbacks went back and forth throughout the first half, exchanging the lead back and forth three times, before the Razorbacks pulled away late to head into halftime with a 40-36 lead.
LSU came out to open the second half and got the fans at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on their feet with a 12-6 run in the opening four minutes to take the lead. And just as quick as the Tigers got the lead, Arkansas bounced back to take the lead with about nine minutes left in regulation.
The lead continued to go back and forth until, with 38 seconds left in regulation Anton Beard made a layup to tie it up at 74-all. After Beard missed the free throw after he was fouled by Ben Simmons, the Razorbacks had the ball and Blakeney stole the ball, but missed a three-pointer. However, Victor got the rebound and laid it up to take the lead with 3 seconds left in regulation. Arkansas had one opportunity to make it, but an air ball at the horn gave LSU the win.
After a cold first half where he went 1-for-5, Simmons led the Tigers with 16 points, 18 boards, and three assists on the night. The hero of the game Victor also had 16 points, 12 of which were in the second half. The sophomore forward also had 12 boards, one steal, and three blocks.
Anthlon Bell led the Razorbacks with 19 points, three boards, and one assist on the night.
The Tigers (11-6, 4-1 SEC) will be hitting the road to College Station to take on 15th-ranked Texas A&M (15-2, 5-0 SEC) on January 19th with tipoff set for 8 pm.
-Clint Domingue