KNOXVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Volunteers basketball team prevailed through struggles to defeat the LSU Tigers 65-59 on Wednesday, February 26th.
The win marked the Vols’ 12th Southeastern Conference (SEC) victory of the season and improved their overall record to 23-4.
Despite the win, the Vols struggled mightily on offense, shooting just 41.5% from the field and 26.3% from three-point range. Tennessee also committed 11 turnovers, which led to 14 LSU points.
However, the Vols’ defense was able to bail them out, holding the Tigers to just 38.9% shooting from the field and 25% from three-point range. Tennessee also outrebounded LSU 34-32 and blocked 5 shots.
“I’m proud of our guys for finding a way to win,” said Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes. “We didn’t play our best basketball, but we showed a lot of heart and determination down the stretch.”
The Vols were led by senior guard Jordan Bowden, who scored a game-high 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field. Bowden also added 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 37 minutes of action.
Tennessee also got a strong performance from junior forward Yves Pons, who scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Pons also blocked 3 shots and had 2 steals.
LSU was led by sophomore guard Javonte Smart, who scored 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the field. Smart also added 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 37 minutes of action.
The Tigers also got a strong performance from freshman forward Trendon Watford, who scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Watford also had 2 assists and 2 blocks.
The win marked Tennessee’s 10th consecutive victory over LSU, dating back to the 2013-2014 season. The Vols have also won 5 straight games against the Tigers in Baton Rouge.
Tennessee will look to build on their momentum when they host the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, February 29th. The Vols will be seeking their 13th SEC victory of the season and will look to maintain their position atop the conference standings.
“We’re excited to get back home and play in front of our fans,” said Barnes. “We know Arkansas will be a tough opponent, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
_Game Statistics:_
– Tennessee: Jordan Bowden (21 points), Yves Pons (15 points), John Fulkerson (12 points)
– LSU: Javonte Smart (18 points), Trendon Watford (14 points), Emmitt Williams (10 points)
– Rebounds: Tennessee (34), LSU (32)
– Assists: Tennessee (12), LSU (10)
– Turnovers: Tennessee (11), LSU (16)
_SEC Standings:_
– Auburn (13-1)
– Tennessee (12-2)
– Kentucky (11-3)
– LSU (8-6)
– Arkansas (7-7)
Tennessee’s victory over LSU marked the Vols’ 12th SEC win of the season, which is the most in the conference. The Vols will look to continue their winning ways when they host Arkansas on Saturday.
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