LSU Tigers battle through mounting injuries, but late-game struggles and missed shots seal their fate against the Tennessee Volunteers.
The LSU Tigers Men's Basketball team fought hard through several impactful injuries on Saturday night, but the Tennessee Volunteers walked away with a 73-63 victory on their home court.
DJ Thomas Jr. was announced as out for the year with foot surgery earlier in the day. Max Mackinnon was ruled out before the game with a knee injury. Add in Jalen Reed, and that was three starters out.
Thomas being out was already bad enough for the Tigers' offense. Mackinnon being out as well hurt even more. He was a much-needed ball-handler and playmaker. He had eight assists in the overtime win over the South Carolina Gamecocks at the end of January.
The LSU offense certainly looked like it was without its playmakers and centerpieces. The Tigers shot a 38/35/68 split as a team. The Volunteers weren't too efficient, either, but they scored when it was important.
LSU did play this game close, though. They were in reach in the final two minutes, but could not buy a bucket. They didn't make any of their final seven shots. Their final field goal came with just under five minutes left and cut the Tennessee lead down to four.
In that final stretch, the Tigers missed seven shots and only got to the line twice. LSU has not been able to show up in the clutch often this season, and it showed up once again in this game.
Matt McMahon has not had a very lucky break since coming to Baton Rouge. He's dealt with a number of impactful injuries, even outside of this year. Still, there have been a ton of similarities and issues that will certainly have the Tigers brass worried as they decide what's next.
LSU returns to the court on Tuesday against the Texas Longhorns at 8 pm CT in the Moody Center.