It wasn’t the result LSU wanted after falling 79-69 to No. 4 Alabama on Saturday, but this program showed fight from beginning to end.
After an embarrassing loss to the Crimson Tide in their first matchup, the Tigers came out with something to prove in the PMAC.
Led by Derek Fountain and Cam Hayes, the dynamic duo kept the Tigers afloat through all 40 minutes, but ultimately came up short in the end.
It was a promising showing from this unit. Head Coach Matt McMahon’s group didn’t throw in the white flag; constantly throwing their fair share of punches to compete against a championship caliber Alabama squad.
Here are the quick hits from Saturday’s hard-fought battle:
Derek Fountain Explodes For Season High
The first-year Tiger handles business from beginning to end. With 18 points on 8-of-8 from the free throw line, Fountain controlled the pace of this one in order to keep LSU afloat. He was unstoppable in the paint after getting just about anything he wanted from inside five feet.
It was just one of those nights for the Mississippi State transfer. Fountain was in the zone, and though the Tigers came up short, it was a pleasant surprise to see the defensive menace showcase his offensive skill set.
Fountain has been the anchor on defense for the Tigers this season, showing flashes of offensive success, but nothing of this caliber. Finishing with 26 points on 12-of-15 from the free throw line and 7 rebounds, Fountain was the go-to guy for LSU all night.
Tigers Limit Turnovers, See Immediate Success
LSU finished the first half with just one turnover. A season best, when this program controlled the pace and took care of the ball, good things continued to happen. In the final 20 minutes, the Tigers continued to be effective with the basketball.
Despite a handful of turnovers from this unit, their ability to make the right read and play to their strengths kept them within striking distance. It was a solid showing in this regard for both Justice Williams and Adam Miller. Miller finished the night with zero turnovers, consistently making the right reed on offense to get baskets inside. Although he finished with just 5 points on 1-of-9 shooting from the field, he allowed the Tigers to keep it close.
There were a few hiccups along the way offensively, but LSU was certainly in a better position on Saturday than they were the last time these two programs faced off. Improvement is there as the Tigers look to turn the corner to finish off the season.
LSU Unable To Get Over The Hump
Alabama allowed LSU to hang in this one, but missed free throws down the stretch, defensive miscues and lack of paint touches halted any chances of getting over the hump to take the lead.
The Tigers missed just one free throw in the first half, but five quick misses in the final 20 minutes, with one trip giving them the chance to make it a one score game, kept the Crimson Tide ahead.
On the defensive end, perimeter defense remained another problem for LSU. Giving a team who shoots the three-ball so effectively wide open chances is a recipe for disaster, and after the Crimson Tide shot 46% from three on Saturday, it changed the trajectory of this game in a big way.
All in all, LSU looked much more effective offensively. With Derek Fountain exploding for 26 points and Cam Hayes chipping in 15 of his own, there was significant improvement from the first time these two matched up.
The Tigers will be back in action on Wednesday when they hit the road to take on Mississippi State at 8 p.m. in Starkville.
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