LSU 57, Alabama 60 - Recap

Johnny O'Bryant's career high 22 points weren't enough to lift LSU (13-8,4-6) past Alabama (15-8,7-3). The Tigers continue their woes in Coleman Coliseum as they weren't able to finish their comeback. With 9:27 left in the second half, Alabama took their largest lead of 11 at 45-34. With 13 seconds left, LSU had two chances to tie up the game with last second shots by Stringer and Hickey; neither fell.

It was the first game of the season that LSU was unable to record a blocked shot. LSU also had their lowest steal total of the season at three (all by Hickey). LSU was able to keep their turnovers down with only 11 on the day, but their inability to cause commotion on the defensive side of the ball told the tale of the game. Alabama only turned it over 10 times, had 9 blocks and 6 steals. They out-rebounded the Tigers 43-36.

Johnny O'Bryant turned in his 9th double double of the season and has taken the SEC lead in that category. His 22 point, 11 rebound performance is just another JOB type game. He has been nothing short of impressive since fully healing from an injury around the start of SEC play. Coleman was able to score 11 points after a season low 2 points against Vanderbilt. In the end, LSU wasn't able to get the clutch shot that they have hit during their current 4 wins in 5 contest streak.



LSU had their second lowest SoS output on the season behind their lack of steals and blocks. Even with the lack of defensive production LSU has been accustomed to, they had two chances to tie the game with under 10 seconds left.



With the loss, LSU falls to 4-6 in SEC play and 3 games out of fourth in the SEC. They play @South Carolina Thursday night on ESPN2 before returning home against Mississippi State Saturday, meaning LSU plays the two last place teams this week. With a great shot at winning both, LSU could be looking at a .500 SEC record this time next week.

If the season were to end today LSU would play Texas A&M in the second round of the SEC Tournament after earning a first round bye. If LSU can get to fifth or sixth, they would ensure they play a bottom four team in the second round. If they can get to fourth, they would get two rounds off and start their tournament in the quarterfinals. Looking at the remaining schedule, LSU still could finish anywhere. It is most likely, in my opinion, that the Tigers finish between sixth and seventh. Their schedule is manageable so finishing better than that is definitely a possibility.