The LSU Tigers (10-4, 5-3) suffered their second consecutive double-digit loss on Saturday in an 82-69 loss at Kentucky (5-9, 4-3).
Much like their loss to Alabama earlier this week, the Tigers were never really in the game. Kentucky controlled the game from start to finish, leading by 13 points at halftime.
Early in the second half, it appeared the Tigers were making a run, as forward Trendon Watford was fouled while making a bucket, cutting UK’s lead to 54-47 at the first television timeout.
Freshman star Cameron Thomas would score on LSU’s next possession, cutting the lead to five points.
That was about it for the Tigers.
Kentucky immediately answered, and the game was never really close again. The Wildcats maintained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the second half as the Tigers continued to struggle from the field.
This is a tough loss for LSU. Earlier in the week, the Tigers were playing for first place, now they are tied for third place in the SEC — and three games behind first-place Alabama.
LSU shot 38.5 percent from the field and was even worse from beyond the arc, shooting just 17 percent.
Watford led the Tigers with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Thomas finished with 18 points.
LSU returns to action on Tuesday with a trip to Texas A&M.