LSU basketball struggles in loss at Georgia

After three straight double-digit wins, it appeared the LSU Tigers were set to finish the season strong on their way to an NCAA Tournament

After three straight double-digit wins, it appeared the LSU Tigers were set to finish the season strong on their way to an NCAA Tournament berth.

Unfortunately, on Tuesday, LSU looked flat and couldn’t overcome its first-half struggles and fell to the Georgia Bulldogs 91-78.

The loss drops the Tigers to 14-7 on the season and 9-5 in SEC play.

In the first half, LSU shot just 33% from the field, turned the ball over eight times, and went into halftime down 45-29.

The Tigers shot the basketball much better in the second half, but their defense couldn’t contain the Bulldogs. The Tigers made a run, even cutting Georgia’s lead to 12 points, but that was as close as they would get, and the ‘Dawgs pulled away.

LSU was flat-out beaten in every aspect. Georgia dominated the boards, shot the ball better, and played with a sense of urgency.

After the game, LSU head coach Will Wade summed up his team’s performance.

This was a game LSU needed, and Wade knows it. With just two scheduled games remaining in the regular season, both are now must-win for the Tigers.

The SEC is expected to make up LSU’s game with Florida, but it has not been officially announced as of this time.

Freshman guard Cameron Thomas led LSU with 21 points, while junior guard Javonte Smart chipped in with 19 points. Sophomore forward Trendon Watford scored 13 points and led the team with 10 rebounds.

LSU remains on the road with a trip to No. 20 Arkansas on Saturday.