Recap: LSU Overcomes Slow Start For 5th Straight Win

The LSU Tigers have done something that they haven't done since 1989; win their first two true road games of the season. After defeating West Virginia in Morgantown and UAB in Brimingham, LSU has to feel good about their ability to play on the road. What made this one more special, was their ability to win without starting PG, Josh Gray.

With Gray out of the lineup, LSU started Tim Quarterman at PG who ended the game with 8 assists, just 1 assist short of his career high. LSU also used Jalyn Patterson for a career high 33 minutes to help the guard rotation. Patterson was great. He scored 11 points on 4/8 shooting, had 3 assists and no turnovers, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals. He is a calming force offensively and an aggressive defender.

LSU only turned the ball over 10 times, almost as good as the 7 turnovers they gave up in their last game. They made 16/18 free throws, and 7/14 from deep.

After starting the year 1/19 from three point range, Jarell Martin has made his last 4, including 2/2 in this game. He ended the game with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and a steal. Just behind him in the scoring column was Keith Hornsby who had a new season high of 24 points while also grabbing 5 boards, 2 assists, and a steal.

Many had come to the conclusion that any LSU win would be big, especially with the absence of Josh Gray, but I think Tiger fans can rest assured that this was a good win for the Tigers. UAB isn't a good squad, but LSU was able to get some really good minutes for Patterson, and gain confidence in their ability to play on the road. They need to stop getting so much in the hole as they have been down 11 in each of their road games, but they also know if they do get down, they can come back.

LSU now has 5 straight wins, with 3 very winnable non-conference games remaining. The 11-2 start that most decided was needed to achieve NCAA Tournament play is still intact.

Geaux Tigers.