Tennessee flexed its muscle on the glass and leaned into its physical identity Saturday night, pulling away from an undermanned LSU squad for a 73-63 win in Knoxville. The Tigers made it a game for stretches - even grabbing a second-half lead - but ultimately couldn’t match Tennessee’s relentless rebounding and shot-making down the stretch.
It’s LSU’s third straight loss, and this one came without their top two scorers, Dedan Thomas and Max Mackinnon. Still, head coach Matt McMahon found plenty to like in the fight his young team showed, especially against one of the SEC’s most physical and disciplined squads.
Jalen Reese steps up in a big way
Freshman point guard Jalen Reese was thrown into the fire - and responded like a veteran. Playing all 40 minutes, Reese showed poise beyond his years, keeping LSU organized offensively and limiting mistakes. The Tigers committed just three turnovers all night, a remarkable stat considering the environment and the pressure Tennessee brings.
McMahon praised Reese’s leadership and toughness, noting his ability to manage the game while shouldering a heavy workload. Offensively, Reese also knocked down shots with confidence, including from deep - a payoff for the extra time he’s been putting in at the gym. Defensively, he brought grit, scrapping on every possession.
Fighting without their stars
Without Thomas and Mackinnon, LSU needed contributions up and down the roster - and got them. The Tigers hit eight three-pointers, a solid number for a team missing its primary scoring threats. Mazi Mosley gave LSU a spark off the bench in extended minutes, and Marquel Sutton came alive in the second half, helping LSU claw back from a 12-point deficit.
What kept LSU in the game was their energy and effort, particularly during a stretch that bridged the end of the first half and the start of the second. During that span, the Tigers limited Tennessee to just six offensive rebounds - a big deal against the top offensive rebounding team in the country - and got hot from beyond the arc to briefly take the lead.
But as the second half wore on, Tennessee’s size and depth began to wear LSU down.
Nate Ament and the Tennessee rebounding machine
Tennessee forward Nate Ament was a matchup nightmare. His mid-range game, combined with his length and touch, proved tough to defend. Ament also lived at the free-throw line, converting his chances and keeping the pressure on LSU’s defense.
And then there was the rebounding. Tennessee came in as the nation’s top offensive rebounding team, and that showed up in a big way.
Second-chance points tilted the game in the Vols’ favor, especially late, when LSU’s legs began to fade. It was a classic Tennessee performance - physical, disciplined, and relentless on the glass.
JP Estrella’s impact in the paint
Another key piece for Tennessee was JP Estrella, who brought size, physicality, and a nose for the ball. Estrella’s effort on the offensive glass stood out, as he consistently positioned himself early and anticipated shots from teammates like Ament and Gillespie. That anticipation led to extra possessions and easy buckets.
McMahon noted that while Estrella hadn’t always finished well around the rim in recent games, he was highly efficient Saturday night. His ability to convert inside added another layer to Tennessee’s attack and underscored the Vols’ commitment to starring in their roles - a hallmark of Rick Barnes’ teams.
Looking ahead for LSU
Despite the loss, McMahon came away encouraged by what he saw from his young group. The Tigers competed, showed growth, and got valuable minutes from players who hadn’t been in these spots before. Reese’s emergence, in particular, gives LSU something to build on as they navigate the rest of the SEC grind.
With their top scorers sidelined, LSU didn’t fold. They fought. And while that wasn’t enough to knock off Tennessee in Knoxville, it’s the kind of effort that can pay dividends down the line - especially if this young core continues to grow under fire.