The LSU Tigers men’s basketball team (13-6, 1-5 SEC) fell to the Florida Gators (14-5, 5-1 SEC) 79-61 on Tuesday night inside the Exactech Arena in Gainesville, Florida. The loss is LSU’s fifth in six conference games this year.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Florida, the defending National Champions, were a double-digit favorite in this contest. The teams traded buckets early, with LSU leading by as many as three.
Florida captured the momentum in the middle portion of the first half. Xavian Lee hit a shot to make it 19-12 Gators.
In the last two minutes of the half, Florida extended their lead. Thomas Haugh scored six straight for the Gators, who entered the half leading 38-26.
Mike Nwoko tried to keep the Tigers close, scoring 17 in the contest. He contributed early in the second half, but Florida had an answer for each LSU run.
LSU never got the game within single digits down the stretch. Urban Klavzar hit five threes off the bench to help the Gators keep that lead. Florida held off LSU for a comfortable 79-61 win.
BIG NUMBER: 20
LSU was out-rebounded by 20 in this loss. Florida grabbed 50 boards to the Tigers’ 30, and those extra opportunities helped the Gators to build and extend their lead.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Rueben Chinyelu
Chinyelu had 15 points to go with an incredible 21 rebounds. His double-double helped set the tone for Florida in this game.
UP NEXT: LSU will remain on the road as they head to Fayetteville to face the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, January 24th at 7:30 PM. You can listen to the action on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.