Recap: LSU 64, South Carolina 58

To say LSU controlled this game would be a lie. The pace favored South Carolina. The rebounds favored South Carolina. However, when it comes down to crunch time, LSU has learned how to win the close games.

LSU pulled out a 64-58 victory over the Gamecocks by using a late 12-2 run to end the game. It was the slowest paced game of the year for the Tigers (64 possessions), yet LSU was able get some timely fast break buckets as well as some key shots helped LSU score just enough. LSU broke the 1 point possession barrier for the 7th time in the last 9 games. Interestingly enough, the LSU's two SEC losses were LSU's <1PPP games.

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Martin and Mickey continued to fill out the box score. Jarell Martin scored 10 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, had 3 assists, and a career high 6 blocks (previous high was 3). Mickey had 14 points, 6 assists, and 6 blocks. Keith Hornsby (15) and Tim Quarterman (16) joined them as double figure scorers. LSU was without freshman guard Jalyn Patterson in this one, who sat with an undisclosed injury.

LSU shot 50% from 2 point range, 35.7% from 3 point range and 78.9% from the FT stripe. They had a season high 13 blocks and only committed 13 team fouls.

The win pulls LSU back into a 4 way tie for second place in the SEC at 5-2. LSU is tied with Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas A&M just 1.5 games behind SEC leading Kentucky. LSU's KenPom ranking moved from 35th to 34th, LSU's best of the season, with the win. Their ESPN BPI moved to 33rd and their RPI moved to 36.

Next, LSU goes on the road to play Mississippi State, a team that nearly knocked off Ole Miss last night, before heading back to Baton Rouge for a big three game home stretch that includes Auburn, Alabama, and Kentucky.