LSU kept their win streak alive on Saturday night in a nailbiter with freshman Cam Thomas coming up big down the stretch, helping the Tigers take down South Carolina 85-80.
How It Happened
The Gamecocks came out the gates strong, getting out to an 11-point lead thanks to a three-pointer from AJ Lawson with 13:58 left in the first half. LSU was able to respond, going on an 11-2 run to make it a 23-21 deficit with eight minutes left. However, South Carolina was able to hold a 38-34 lead after a late jumper from Keyshawn Bryant.
The second half started out with a back-and-forth between the two teams, but LSU was able to tie things up after a three-pointer from Javonte Smart and a three-point play by Thomas with 16:01 left in regulation. The Tigers took their first lead of the night after another three-pointer from Smart, but it didn’t last long as South Carolina took a three-point lead after a layup by Bryant.
The lead remained with the Gamecocks until during the final five minutes of the contest with Trendon Watford going on a 6-2 run all his own and made it a two-point lead after a layup with 3:31 left. LSU sealed the victory with an 11-2 run highlighted by a jumper from Thomas.
Big Number: 15
The big difference stat-wise from the contest was the Gamecocks turning over the ball 15 times versus the 13 for LSU.
Player of the Game: Trendon Watford
Watford was a big reason why LSU won and he had a great performance the entire game, putting up 23 points, seven boards, and five assists on the way to another win for the purple and gold.
Next Up: Tuesday vs Alabama; Tipoff at 6 pm