Missouri
LSU basketball snaps losing streak, gets first SEC win vs Missouri
LSU basketball snapped its losing streak and got its first SEC win of the season on Saturday as the Tigers beat Missouri 78-70.
Once again, LSU (13-5, 1-4 SEC) started strong and took a double-digit lead into the half. But once again, it let its opponent hang around in the final period of regulation.
LSU extended its lead to 14 points early in the second half. While Missouri (13-5, 3-2) never led, it gradually whittled the lead down from that high-water mark, at one point closing the deficit to just one possession.
Unlike Wednesday’s game against Kentucky, though, LSU managed to hold the lead down the stretch. This time, the offense calmly made its free throws in the final minutes, slowly putting Missouri’s hopes of a comeback out of reach.
LSU basketball has hot start once again
For the second straight game, LSU got off to a dominant start. On Saturday, it took a 10-0 lead while the defense swamped Missouri.
It took nearly six minutes of game time for Missouri to even get on the board. By halftime, LSU led by 10 — the team’s second consecutive double-digit lead at the break.
Sutton erupts offensively
A big part of that offensive explosion was Marquel Sutton. After a strong performance against Kentucky, Sutton had arguably his best game, and certainly his best half, since joining LSU this season.
The fifth-year forward scored 19 first-half points, already his most in any game in nearly a month, and more than the rest of his teammates combined in the opening period.
He didn’t get as many opportunities in the second, but still finished with 26 points, a new season-high.
Rediscovered 3-point stroke
Against Kentucky, LSU shot 47.4% from beyond the arc, showing the offense’s potential from deep. The team kept it up on Saturday.
Against Missouri, LSU made 10 of its 26 3-point attempts. This marked the first time in 11 games the team made at least 10 of its 3s. Leading the way was Max Mackinnon, who made a team-high four shots from deep.
What’s next?
LSU will take on Florida at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Gainesville, Florida.