LSU 97, Alabama 94 - Recap

LSU (7-7,16-9) defeated rival Alabama (10-4,18-9) in the PMAC's first ever triple overtime game 97 to 94. While the PMAC wasn't full, the atmosphere felt closer to the deaf dome than usual. "I want to thank our fans for really coming out and the energy that they were able to give us there in regulation to fight back and put ourselves in position to really get the game there in overtime. I thought it was a great atmosphere for us today. It was a great college basketball game. I'm really proud of our kids, the effort, the confidence and everything that they played with today."

LSU had five players score in double figures; O'Bryant (24), Carmouche (20), Coleman (17), Hickey (13), and Stringer (10). Both O'Bryant (10) and Carmouche (11) completed double doubles with their double digit rebounds. Even more impressive may be O'Bryant and Carmouche logged 51 and 54 minutes respectively. Anthony Hickey had a season high 7 assists to go along with 5 steals. Overall, LSU's individual stats were impressive. Their team stats look even better.



After being outrebounded in the first half, LSU really controlled the boards in the second half and overtime. They had 47 rebounds to Alabama's 38. The Tigers were able to log 19 assists on 16 turnovers, block four shots and stole 9 away from the Crimson Tide. They shot well also. LSU was 24 of 48 from two point land and 8 of 20 from deep. LSU also was 25 of 37 from the free throw line (67.6%).

The first half was back and forth. The half ended with Alabama hitting three straight three point attempts to take their largest lead of the game to that point at 5. Trevor Releford went "Jordan McRae" on LSU and for the second consecutive game, LSU had a player score a career high. Releford ended the game with 36 points on 14-18 shooting, including a 4 of 4 from three point night. He added four of four free throws for good measure.

Five minutes into the second half, Alabama had increased their lead to nine. Every time LSU looked to make a run, a Trevor Releford three pointer would silence the rally. With 2:52 LSU was down 69-59. Anthony Hickey had been on the bench for more than five minutes. Coach said, "I thought he probably wasn't as aggressive as he normally plays in the game." Well the message was delivered. Hickey entered the game with 2:11 left after LSU had made a pair of free throws and immediately got a steal upon his return. His presence was felt by everyone as LSU came back using a 10-0 run to end regulation.

LSU had a chance to win the game in regulation, but O'Bryant missed a semi-contested 15 footer. The first overtime ended with an Alabama tip in to win that was first called a goal before the call being reversed using the monitors (Thank God for technology). LSU once again had the last shot to win in the second overtime before missing two attempts. The third overtime was all LSU's. They tried to give the game to Alabama with some very silly turnovers, two straight missed free throws by Anthony Hickey, and some inopportune fouls.

Releford who was so dominant throughout the game, was really kept quiet in the overtime periods when LSU put Charles Carmouche on the 6' guard. "We probably should have put him on him earlier. We did switch up our defensive look after Mouche (Charles Carmouche) started guarding him. We tried to force the ball and press it out of his hand in running a double at him at times, especially off of the high-ball screen." The charge was imperative to the Tigers comeback win.



This week's SEC games:

Tuesday
Auburn @ Alabama - 6:00 (ESPNU)
Florida @ Tenn - 8:00 (ESPN)

Wednesday
Arkansas @ LSU - 7:00 (SECN)
Miss St @ Kentucky - 7:00 (SECN)
Texas A&M @ Miss - 8:00 (CSS)
UGA @ Vandy - 8:00 (FSN)

Thursday
Mizzou @ S Carolina - 8:00 (ESPN2)

LSU pulled within 1 game of the three team tie for fifth, one of which is LSU's Wednesday opponent, Arkansas. Tennessee has a tough game against Florida , meaning a win Wednesday would most likely put LSU into a tie for sixth place. Arkansas is 1-6 on the road in SEC play and comes into Baton Rouge after a 17 point loss at Florida. Arkansas still has to play LSU, Kentucky, @Missouri, and Texas A&M.

A win Wednesday night will put LSU in great position to finish in the coveted 6th spot, which receives a bye, is guaranteed to play a bottom four team, and is on the opposite side of the bracket as Florida. The game also gives LSU a chance to go above .500 in SEC play for the first time since starting the year 1-0 last season.

If you missed them, Pictures HERE

I also took a clip of AcroDunk, the halftime show. They were pretty cool. You can find it HERE