LSU offered a rare test for Kentucky in SEC play if only for one reason: with talented sophomores Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin in the front court, the Tigers actually had a change to match up with Kentucky's unparalleled size. Much had been made about the Wildcats' relatively soft remaining schedule, but a game in Baton Rouge had the makings for Kentucky's toughest test yet, especially in the conference.
Kentucky vs. LSU final score: 3 things we learned in the Wildcats’ last-second victory
Kentucky improved to 24-0 on the season with a win against LSU, but it went down to the final seconds.
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Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
After 30 minutes of the game, it looked like another Kentucky rout was underway. Then something strange happened: LSU kept stringing together baskets, and Kentucky couldn’t hit a shot.
The final moments were incredible. A hook shot from Karl-Anthony Towns put Kentucky ahead by one with 90 seconds left, and an offensive rebound by Towns on the subsequent possession saved the Wildcats again. When Devin Booker split a pair of free throws, LSU had one final chance. Keith Hornsby had a look at a game-winning three-pointer, but the shot rimmed out and Kentucky won, 71-69.
LSU went on a 21-2 run midway through the second half to take a six-point lead at one point. Martin and Mickey were both incredible for the Tigers, combining for 37 points. Hornsby added 17 points for LSU in the loss.
Four Kentucky scorers reached double-figures, led by 15 from Willie Cauley-Stein. Here's what we learned during this game:
1. Jarell Martin was everywhere for LSU
Kentucky’s collection of blue chip talent is the standard in college basketball, but LSU has a five-star player, too. At least for one night, Martin outplayed everyone the Wildcats threw at him.
Martin finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds on 8-of-11 shooting. He’s been a double-double machine this season, but has never been more impressive than he was against Kentucky. He attacked the glass (five offensive boards) and showed great touch around the rim.
Martin isn’t as big as Cauley-Stein or Towns, but at 6’10, 235 pounds, he at least had a chance to compete. He might have made himself some buzz in the eyes of NBA scouts on Tuesday.
2. Kentucky is beatable when it’s not making threes
Kentucky's size gets all the publicity, but the team doesn't really start rolling until Devin Booker, Tyler Ulis and Aaron Harrison begin hitting three-pointers. That was an issue for Kentucky on Tuesday: the Wildcats finished only 2-for-12 from deep. There's no wonder LSU was able to make it a game throughout the night.
Booker was just 1-for-4 from deep, Ulis missed both three-pointers he tried and the Harrison brothers combined to shoot 1-for-6 from downtown. It’s a make or miss game, and Kentucky couldn’t buy a bucket to open up space on the inside against LSU.
3. The dream of an undefeated season is alive and well
Kentucky opened conference play with three overtime sessions in its first two games, but it’s possible John Calipari has never been more nervous than he was on Tuesday. LSU made a few incredible plays that gave off the impression the underdog might have a real chance. In the end, the Tigers couldn’t convert on the last possession and Kentucky’s shot at a 40-0 remains alive.
The Wildcats are now 24-0 and 11-0 in the SEC. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s definitely been compelling.
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