LSU (24-5, 14-2 SEC) headed into Exactech Arena on Wednesday night with one thing on their mind: redemption. After losing to the Florida Gators (17-12, 9-7 SEC) the way that they did, head coach Will Wade put the blame on himself for the loss. They redeemed themselves in more ways than one in a 79-78 win over the Gators to finish the season undefeated on the road in conference play.
How It Happened:
Throughout the first half, it was a back and forth between the two teams with neither getting a signifcant lead until the Tigers managed to get out to a seven-point lead with 9:38 left thanks to a three-pointer by Tremont Waters. The Gators stayed within reach though thanks to a pair of big plays in the paint, making it 34-31 at the break.
The second half was all too familiar with Florida regaining the lead before the first media timeout and the proverbial tug of war continued between the two teams. It seemed like the Tigers were about to salt away the clock and get out of Gainesville with a win, but Jalen Hudson managed to get the Gators back out in front with six seconds left. LSU tied it up as time expired though when Waters got it done in the paint to force overtime.
The overtime period was virtually all LSU early with seven points scored in the opening two minutes. After a pair of free throws by Kevarrius Hayes with 2:22 left made it a one-point ballgame, neither team could make a basket and it was enough for the Tigers to come away with a huge SEC win on the road.
Big Number: 7
This was the seventh overtime game for the LSU Tigers this season on the hardwood. What makes this number so significant is that it is one game shy of the regular season record in the NCAA which is eight.
Player of the Game: Tremont Waters
Tremont Waters looked great in his second game back, putting up 19 points, three rebounds, and six assists on the evening and was a driving force in the Tigers win.
Next Up: Saturday vs Vanderbilt; Tipoff at 7:30 pm
-Clint Domingue