Saturday’s LSU-TCU basketball game in Fort Worth, Texas gave the Tigers a chance to get on track. After losing three of their last four games, Will Wade’s team needed a momentum shift. But the Horned Frogs took control early and lead 38-29 at the half. LSU would make a comeback in the second half to keep it a close game. However, TCU led 59-54 with nine minutes remaining. Then, the Horned Frogs closed the game on an 18-15 run. As TCU defeated LSU 77-68, it’s time for the Tigers to recoup and begin another winning streak.
LSU-TCU: Tigers Drop Fourth Straight
LSU forward Tari Eason scored 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting with three rebounds and one assist. Eric Gaines showed promise in what was another start for the Sophomore guard as Xavier Pinson is still out due to injury. Gaines finished with 14 points on 4-of-10 shooting from the floor. The SEC/Big 12 Challenge is off to a rough start for the Tigers and the SEC. However, there are still games left to be played in the challenge on Saturday.
Despite trailing by nine at the half, the Tigers mounted a comeback in the second half. But, TCU continued to find ways to score in the paint and increase the lead. In this game, LSU allowed the Horned Frogs to shoot 49.1 percent from the floor. To make matters worse, TCU shot 66.7 percent at the free-throw line and outrebounded LSU 40-34. The Tigers’ largest lead was just two points.
Tigers Unable to Stop Horned Frogs
For TCU, Mike Miles and Chuck O’Bannon Jr. combined for 38 points in the game. This season, LSU has been a stout defense. The Tigers rank near the top in the country when it comes to defense. In this game though, TCU found a way to expose the Tigers defense and score points from every spot on the court. Sophomore guard Micah Peavy scored seven off the bench for the Horned Frogs and provided a momentum swing in the backcourt.
LSU’s inability to contain the lead early in games has hurt the team in 2021-22. If this team is going to be a true title contender, the Tigers have to play both elite offense and defense for 40 minutes. Against TCU, that was not the case. The Tigers trailed for the majority of the game and held the lead just once. Given the injuries, Wade has had to implement changes to the lineup. In the past few games, the inability to remain in games under a 10-point deficit has shown.
Next Up for LSU
Following its fourth straight loss, the Tigers head back to SEC play starting on Tuesday. LSU welcomes Ole Miss to Baton Rouge for the only meeting between the two schools this season. Then, LSU hits the road at Vanderbilt and Texas A&M. As the season rolls along, the Tigers have a tough final 10 games in SEC play. All but two of the program’s remaining opponents are above .500 on the season. In order for Wade and company to be considered true contenders, the team has to start another winning streak. Losing to the Horned Frogs on Saturday didn’t help at all as the downfall of the program continues.
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