The LSU Tigers men’s basketball team fell to the #5 Tennessee Volunteers 64-59 on Tuesday night inside the PMAC. The loss moves LSU to 14-14 overall and 3-11 in SEC play.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with both teams exchanging buckets in the early stages. Neither team separated, and Tennessee held a slim 15-14 lead halfway through the first half. At that point, the Vols put together a 7-0 run, extending the lead to 22-14. LSU had a stretch where they struggled to score, but before the half ended they found a way back into the game. In the last two minutes, LSU cut a 26-18 deficit down to 26-23 thanks to a 5-0 run. Freshman Vyctorius Miller had double-figures for LSU at the break.
In the second half, the Tigers were able to keep it close until Felix Okpara started to create a run by himself. He scored five straight points that triggered a Volunteer run and made the lead double digits. The Tigers fought back into the single-digit territory, but couldn’t get the deficit below five. At 51-44, Zakai Ziegler helped launch a 7-0 run that stretched Tennessee’s run to 14 and put the game effectively out of reach.
While LSU continued to fight late, getting the deficit within 10 and down to five at 63-58 they ultimately ran out of time. The Vols held on to win.
BIG NUMBER: 16
Tennessee out-rebounded LSU 44-28. That 16 rebound difference was significant, and it led to Tennessee getting some second chances.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Felix Okpara
Okpara was critical in getting the Vols going early in the second half. He sparked a scoring run, and finished with 15 points and seven rebounds while making all of his field goals.
UP NEXT: LSU will head on the road to face #24 Mississippi State on Saturday, March 1st at 2:30 PM. You can listen to the game on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.