LSU basketball's comeback streak ends after blowout home loss to Mississippi State
For the fourth straight game, LSU basketball fell behind by double digits in the second half. But unlike recent games, the Tigers (14-13, 6-8 SEC) couldn't lead a comeback, falling to Mississippi State (19-8, 8-6) on Saturday night, 87-67.
LSU kept it close in the first half, but allowed the Bulldogs to open a seven-point lead before halftime. In the opening minutes of the second half, Mississippi State stretched the lead to 16. This was nothing new for the Tigers — having trailed by 20 against Florida before coming back to have a chance at the tie, completing a 16-point comeback against South Carolina and a 15-point buzzer-beating comeback against Kentucky in the last two weeks. And like those games, LSU responded with a run.
What to Know: LSU basketball vs. Mississippi State: Get TV channel, tip-off time, and betting info here
But unlike those games, Mississippi State was built to withstand a comeback bid. In the immediate aftermath of that 16-point lead, the Tigers cut the deficit to 10. However, it never got closer than that for the remainder the contest, with the Bulldogs stretching the lead to 26 with just minutes to go.
Poor shooting night
The Tigers entered as one of the SEC's best-shooting teams, but almost nothing was going right from beyond the arc vs. MSU.
In the first half, LSU made just one 3-pointer on nine attempts. Things didn't get much better in the second half, making just 2 of 8 — the second coming after the game was no longer in question with the Bulldogs playing lax defense.
Ward leaves with injury
One game after saving the Tigers at the buzzer, Ward was given the start against Mississippi State.
Unlike his recent performances against South Carolina and Kentucky, the sophomore forward was quiet on Saturday, finishing with just seven points. He was also noticeably limping in the first half, spending much of the second in uniform but on the exercise bike and replaced by Mwani Wilkinson.
LSU Baseball: Renovations are coming to LSU baseball's Alex Box Stadium. See what's in store
Hannibal's up and down night
Trae Hannibal stepped up in Ward's absence, and the fifth-year senior had arguably the best game of his career. He scored a career-best 22 points to lead LSU, and also brought in a team-high six rebounds and was the only Tiger with multiple assists.
However, he also had a career-high seven turnovers and was even called for a dead-ball technical foul late in the first half.
Rushing the Court: LSU fined $100,000 by SEC for court storm after dramatic basketball win vs. Kentucky
What's next
LSU hosts Georgia on Tuesday night.
LSU basketball vs. Mississippi State Live Scores and Updates
This article originally appeared on The Courier: LSU basketball comeback streak ends after loss to Mississippi State
