LSU 64 @ South Carolina 46 - Recap

LSU (14-8,5-6) had Johnny O'Bryant, South Carolina (12-12,2-9) didn't. End of story. O'Bryant had 30 points, 10 rebounds and a block and was completely unstoppable throughout the game. Being guarded mainly by 6'5" freshman, Michael Carrera, O'Bryant used his strength to take over the game.

After leading at the end of the first half 26-24, LSU came out strong in the second half. Five minutes into the second LSU had extended their lead to 10 and never looked back. They extended their defense and used high pressure trapping to make sure the Gamecocks couldn't make the comeback. LSU showed they have moved forward since their last meeting.

Anthony Hickey was held to only 3 points but he did have 5 assists and 3 steals. Stringer was able to make 2 of LSU's 3 from three point land and ended the game with 12 points. LSU out-rebounded the Gamecocks 49-34. The 49 rebounds was their highest total since the second game of the season where they had 50. The Tigers had 16 assists to South Carolina's 8, and held South Carolina to their second lowest scoring total of the year.



Johnny O'Bryant's 49.10 Unadjusted SoS was the second highest of the season for a Tiger (Hickey, McNeeseSt). It was only the second SEC game where three players had an Adjusted SoS of over 45. The Tigers did have too many turnovers, but made it up with points in the paint. LSU held a 40-24 advantage in the paint, 18-12 on points off turnovers, and 13-10 on second chance points. Their largest lead was 20 and continue to get better.



LSU stays only 1 game out of 6th place and 2 games outside of fourth place in the SEC. They play Mississippi State at home on Saturday in a game that should be a victory for the Tigers. Then LSU will be going to Tennessee in a very big game for SEC seeding on Tuesday night.

This Saturday's games are:

Kentucky @ Tennessee 1:00
Florida @ Auburn 1:30
Missouri @ Arkansas 4:00
South Carolina @ Alabama 4:00
Mississippi St @ LSU 5:00
Texas A&M @ Vanderbilt 6:30
Georgia @ Ole Miss 8:00
Times are eastern

There are a few very interesting games this weekend for SEC Tournament seeding. The Missouri @ Arkansas game will be an intriguing one. LSU could pull even with Arkansas and Georgia in 6th place with a win against State and losses by each of those two (seems likely). Either way, LSU will pick up a game on two of those teams whether it be for 6th or 4th place.

The main thing LSU needs to worry about is winning, the rest will play out. If LSU can win Saturday, they will be going to Tennessee with an opportunity to go above .500 in league play for the first time since we were able to win the SEC opener last season. It would be the first time LSU was above .500 this late in the SEC season since 2009.

Season Prediction:
18-11, (9-9)