For the first time in well over a month, LSU has won back to back games.
LSU defeated Mississippi State 69-65 on Saturday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
The first few minutes of the game looked like LSU’s offense would be missing in action as they have been far too many times this season.
Mississippi State raced out to a 7-0 lead as LSU missed their first nine shots of the game over the first four minutes. LSU eventually woke up with their own 12-0 run, to make it 12-7.
LSU built on that run to take a strong 37-22 lead into the half. LSU has relied on defense and turnovers to win games this year and there was plenty of that in the first half for the Tigers. LSU was not able to carry that momentum into the second half as Mississippi State fought all the way back to tie it.
Tari Eason then made some big plays and LSU was able to regroup. Eason has had a lot of good games this year but this was one of his best. He did his usual on defense and in transition but he also led the Tigers in 3-point shots. The former Cincinnati transfer led the way with 23 points for LSU.
Mississippi State was led by Iverson Molinar who had a game-high 26 points.
With Pinson back, LSU looks to be getting back on track. Along with Eason, Pinson and Days were the only other Tigers to score in double-digits.
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi said during the broadcast that the NCAA selection committee could take note of injuries that seemed to have led directly to wins and losses and Pinson seems to certainly fit in that category.
Despite the win, LSU needs to shoot better. Darius Days and Pinson both struggled mightily from deep in this game. The offense played well, but it was far from consistent and questions remain.
Mississippi State was a formidable opponent and this was a solid win for a LSU team that was still searching for stability.