TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – LSU’s No. 13 national ranking took another hit Wednesday night with a 70-67 loss at Alabama, with the Tigers’ second straight defeat coming to a team that snapped a three-game losing skid.
But coach Will Wade was undaunted. Proud, even, Impressed. And not without justification.
The Tigers (15-3 overall, 3-3 SEC) were already missing standout guard Xavier Pinson, out for a third straight game, and lost forward Darius Days to an ankle injury before halftime.
LSU faced a 13-point deficit with 7:51 remaining, but roared back over the next three-plus minutes to tie it 58-all. Alabama responded to regain an eight-point advantage with 1:22 left, but LSU rallied within 68-67 with six seconds left, and had a 3-pointer to tie at the buzzer than bounced off the rim.
“To come in here and battle like this when we’re not at full strength was good to see. When we get everybody back healthy, it’s going to be tough on opponents. I’m really proud of our guys,” said Wade. “I’m really pleased with how they fought tonight. It was very impressive.
“We got the right stuff. We’re unbreakable. Great toughness. I’m as proud of our team as I’ve been all year and that includes all the wins we’ve had,” he said.
LSU’s Tari Eason finished with 26 points in 30 minutes, hitting 9-of-13 from the field, including both trey attempts, and 6-of-10 from the free throw lines. He had his fifth double-double of the season with 10 rebounds. Brandon Murray hit three treys as part of a 19-point, 6-rebound evening.
BOSSIER PARISH CC 77, PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE 64: The Cavs pulled away in the second half for the Region 14 home win to improve to 11-7 overall and 5-4 in the conference. Adrian Walker led the way with 17 points, Jeremy Richard scored 12 of his 16 points in the second half and Jaeden Marshall poured in 14. Karon Davis led all scorers for Paris with 25.
KILGORE WOMEN 83, BOSSIER PARISH CC 63: At Kilgore, the Rangers got their fourth straight win to improve to 15-4 overall and 5-2 in Region 14 play. The Lady Cavs fall to 9-8, 2-5.
PHOTO: courtesy LSU Athletics
