LSU's rollercoaster season took another dip as they fell 83-67 to the Oklahoma Sooners. Coming off a thrilling win earlier in the week, the Tigers hoped to maintain their momentum but found themselves outpaced in the second half.
The first half was a tight affair, as both teams entered with identical records of 15-14. LSU managed to lead for just a minute, keeping the game within reach by averaging over a point per possession. However, Oklahoma's offensive efficiency kept them ahead, never allowing LSU to close the gap to double digits.
The game took a turn in the second half. Despite staying within five points with less than 13 minutes on the clock, LSU couldn't withstand Oklahoma's offensive surge. The Sooners extended their lead to as many as 22 points, effectively sealing the game before easing off in the final minutes.
LSU's offensive struggles were evident, especially after their high-scoring performance against Ole Miss. In the first half, the Tigers shot just 33% from the field and a paltry 17% from beyond the arc.
In contrast, Oklahoma shot 48% overall and 36% from three-point range, averaging over 1.2 points per possession. Despite these challenges, LSU only trailed by eight at halftime.
A significant factor in LSU's offensive woes was the performance of freshman guard Jalen Reece. After being promoted to starting point guard, Reece had shown promise, averaging 13.5 points per game and recording his first career double-double against Ole Miss. However, against Oklahoma, Reece struggled, managing just two points on 1-of-10 shooting.
On a brighter note, PJ Carter provided a spark off the bench. The three-time transfer, who hasn't seen much consistent playing time, made the most of his opportunity, scoring 12 points and hitting 4-of-6 from three-point range. His shooting matched a season-high, reminiscent of his performance against Omaha in November.
Looking ahead, LSU will face Auburn next, with the game scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, at 9 p.m. The Tigers will aim to bounce back and find their rhythm as they continue their season.