LSU's fall in the SEC standings took another dip on Tuesday night in an 85-65 loss at Arkansas.

The Tigers were shorthanded going in. Senior guard Keith Hornsby, the team's second leading scorer, is out with a hernia injury, while LSU reserves Elbert Robinson and Aaron Epps both missed the game with illness.

“We didn’t have the depth we usually do tonight," said LSU coach Johnny Jones. "With Hornsby out, and a couple other guys sick, we have three guys in rotation that couldn’t play with us tonight. However, I don’t think any of their absences were big factors in why we lost tonight. We have to get better.”

Arkansas took full advantage, outscoring the Tigers bench 32-0.

Trailing 34-32 at halftime, LSU got drilled in the second half when the Razorbacks outscored the Tigers 51-33.

Johnny Jones squad was 9-30 from the field after halftime, losing control and assignments.

“We’re not playing at the level that we need to, to be able to play against good basketball teams right now,” Jones said following the loss. “There are stretches in the game we need to do a better job of controlling."

Ben Simmons earned his 19th double-double of the season in the loss, going for 23 points, 12 boards and 6 assists. He fouled out with 2:02 left in regulation, being called for a technical foul in the process after complaining to an official.

The Tigers have lost 3 in a row and 5 of their last 6. With their recent woes, it appears LSU's only realistic shot at an NCAA tournament berth is by winning the SEC tournament, a feat that appears daunting when considering the team's play as of late.

 

 

More From 103.3 The GOAT