LSU Wins First Game In Tuscaloosa Since 2004

Ben Simmons will get most of the headlines, but LSU's defense down the stretch was responsible for their 72-70 win over Alabama.

It was the first win for LSU Basketball in Tuscaloosa since 2004, and it was hard earned.

Johnny Jones' road this year coaching LSU started rough, but the team is starting to pick up speed at the right time. He probably sweat through his dress shirt in this game, but a win makes you forget about everything else.

A see-saw affair in Tuscaloosa came down to the wire between the Tigers and the Tide, and Tim Quarterman came up big on both sides of the floor to seal the victory. With about thirty seconds left, Quarterman drove into the lane and tipped in his own shot to give LSU the two point lead. On the ensuing possession, he helped stop Bama's leading scorer.

Jones' team improves to 12-7 (5-2 SEC), and even though Ben Simmons tried to steal the show, Jones made sure Quarterman got his shine after the game.

"On the defensive end, I thought he did a great job getting stops on  [Retin] Obasohan," Jones said.

Obasohan (20 points, 3-3 pt) was the offensive engine for Alabama, along with Arthur Edwards. Edwards scored 14 of his 17 points in the first half, and Obasohan hit some pivotal shots to keep Alabama in the game. On the final possession, he drove the lane and got himself a decent shot. It just didn't fall.

All eyes were on Ben Simmons, as they always are, and the Aussie didn't disappoint.

“I thought Ben came up big for us. He was challenged inside,” his head coach said after the game.

In a game with a ton of lead changes and ample chippy behavior, Simmons survived some rough play in the post to put up 23 points (9-15 FG), eight rebounds and five assists. When Craig Victor fouled out with 1:03 left to play, Simmons helped protect the paint to ensure the win.

For a freshman, he displays an almost unnerving amount of poise on the floor. He does the same with the media.

“We only limit ourselves. We’re losing games because of us," Simmons told ESPN after the win. "We’re not trying to blame it on the other team, it’s just how we play. If we came out with the right mindset and come to win then a lot of things can happen.”

After the team's first win in Tuscaloosa since 2004, Simmons almost called out the rest of his team. For a freshman, that takes some serious stones. That same attitude could make LSU very dangerous entering the SEC tournament.

One week from now, LSU takes on one of the best teams in the country, Oklahoma. Their star, Buddy Hield, is a warrior in tight games. Is Simmons trying to send an early message to his teammates?

Against Alabama, five players scored in double-figures and they escaped a little bloodied, but still victorious. Next Saturday, the two possible top picks in next year's NBA Draft will go head to head, but it will be up to their teammates to determine the outcome.