The LSU Tigers hung around for most of the game, but could not overcome key mistakes late in a 68-62 loss to Florida (10-5, 2-1 SEC) .
The Gators got on a roll early on thanks to Dorian Finney-Smith getting nine of his 14 points in the first four minutes of the game. However, the Tigers were able to keep it close thanks in part to Florida going 0-12 in the first half and headed into the locker room trailing 34-31.
The second half for LSU was akin to a dog chasing a car. As soon as the Tigers came close to taking the game over, the Gators fired back with a big run. That along with key turnovers committed by freshman Ben Simmons late wound up giving Florida the win.
Simmons led the Tigers with 28 points, 17 boards, and four assists on the afternoon. Keith Hornsby missed most of the first half, but got 10 points, one board, and two assists.
Justin Leon and Finney-Smith both led the Gators with 14 points apiece.
The Tigers (9-6, 2-1 SEC) will return to the friendly confines of the PMAC to take on the Ole Miss Rebels (11-3, 1-1 SEC) on January 13th with tipoff set for 8 pm.
-Clint Domingue