Despite a spirited effort, the LSU Tigers could not beat the top ranked team in the country on Wednesday night in Baton Rouge. Auburn had four players score in double figures in a 87-74 over LSU.
The loss drops LSU’s record 12-8 and 1-6 in the SEC.
Number one ranked Auburn improved 19-1, 7-0 in the SEC.
LSU shot the ball well enough to win the game. They shot 47% from the floor and made 8 3-pointers and shot 36% from beyond the arc.
But they couldn’t overcome the 20 turnovers that led to 22 Auburn points.
“From an execution standpoint they really bothered us with their traps and pressure,” Matt McMahon said.
LSU also got beaten badly on the glass, as the Tigers were outrebounded 47-34.
Cam Carter led LSU with 24 points, 7-of-9 from the floor, but when he was out of the game in the first half with two fouls that allowed Auburn to gain control of the game.
The game was tied at 16 with 9:28 in the first half when Carter was whistled with his second foul. Carter returns a little over two minutes later and LSU is down 26-16.
LSU got it within five points in the second half after Jordan Sears scored seven consecutive points, but no closer. Sears finished with 11 points.
“Just never could get that big stop or big conversion to make it a one score game,” McMahon said.
Auburn was led by one of the top players in the SEC as Johni Broome had 26 points and 16 rebounds. He needed 23 shots to get to 26 points.
LSU will be back at home on Saturday against Texas for a 5 PM tip. They will recognize the 2000 Sweet 16 team led by Stromile Swift.
And here’s some good news, the next few games are winnable for LSU. After the Longhorns, LSU visits Georgia, hosts 23rd ranked Ole Miss, visits Arkansas, travels to Oklahoma and then hosts South Carolina on February 18th.
If LSU can win three or four games there, it can give them a shot to finish strong.
