The LSU Tigers (13-6, 8-4) picked up a big victory on Saturday in Baton Rouge with a 78-65 win over No. 16 Tennessee (14-5, 7-5).
It was the most complete performance of the season for LSU at a time when the team needed a signature win.
Early in the game, with the score tied at 12, the Tigers went on a 16-4 run to open up a 12-point lead with around four minutes remaining in the first half. Tennessee closed the lead to five points before the half and looked to continue that momentum in the second half.
The Volunteers closed LSU’s lead to just one point two minutes into the second half after Tennessee guard Santiago Vescovi connected on a 3-pointer.
That would be as close as UT would get for the remainder of the game.
The Tigers went on a 13-5 run and opened up a 17-point lead at one point in the second half en route to a relatively easy win.
Freshman guard Cam Thomas once again led the Tigers with 25 points. Junior guard Javonte Smart scored 20 points for LSU, while junior forward Darius scored 14 points and pulled down five rebounds.
As a team, the Tigers shot 52% from the field and were outstanding from the free-throw line, going 17 of 18.
LSU was also strong on the defensive end, holding a potent Tennessee offense to just 36% from the field.
LSU head coach Will Wade was proud of his team’s performance, per Glenn Guilbeau of the Daily Advertiser.
“Our guys were locked in,” Wade said. “It was the best game we’ve played this season.”
The Tigers are not scheduled to play again until next Saturday against Auburn. However, the SEC could reschedule one of the game’s LSU lost this season due to COVID-19.
Wade hinted at them playing this week in his postgame press conference.
“I think you’ll see us again Wednesday night,” Wade said.
He didn’t reveal a possible opponent.