LSU Survives Late Scare Against Georgia

In an odd night where LSU attempted more free throws than field goals, they held off Georgia for a narrow victory at home.

The Tigers went 37-55 from the free throw line, while only attempting 53 shots from the floor. Georgia tried to make them hit shots to win the game, and LSU's shooters stepped up and delivered for the 89-85 win.

As usual, the consensus #1 pick in next year's NBA Draft, Ben Simmons, was heavily involved in the outcome. His 22 points (6-12 FG, 10-17 FT) and 14 rebounds were clutch, but he admitted the team as a whole probably got a little too easy in their saddle in points during the wild ending and comeback attempt by Georgia.

"I can't even explain it. We had a good lead and we lost it. They got back within one. Anything can happen in games," Simmons said after the game. "We kind of got comfortable and it wasn't too good."

Simmons also mentioned he feels like the team is playing a lot better the last few weeks. The reason for the success? He's getting some much needed help.

After going 0-7 from three in the first half, LSU's bombers went 6-12 the rest of the way out. Jaylyn Patterson, Antonio Blakeney and Keith Hornsby combined for 32 points, most of them in crunch time, to go along with Tim Quarterman's stellar performance (22 points, 4-9 FG, 13-19 FT, six rebounds, five assists) in the back court.

It was a three man show for Georgia. JJ Frazier (26 pts, 10-18 FG), Charles Mann (19 pts, 6-10 FG) and Kenny Gaines (20 pts, 7-15 FG) toted the line, but the rest of the team only came up with 20 points. The Bulldogs still outshot the Tigers from the floor, but they lost the game by sending LSU to the line over fifty times.

The dramatic win moves LSU to 13-7 overall and 6-2 in SEC play. It's a good thing LSU is playing well, because their next game is a date with the top team in the country, Oklahoma. On Saturday, Simmons and Oklahoma's Buddy Hield will get most of the spotlight, but it will be the supporting casts that determine the outcome. If LSU's guards deliver like they did against Georgia, we could have a must-watch finish when the weekend comes around.