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The LSU Tigers men’s basketball team defeated the number 17 Kentucky Wildcats 75-74 Wednesday night thanks to a Tyrell Ward buzzer-beater.
WARDY CALLED GAME pic.twitter.com/bmFpNKNhXd
— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) February 22, 2024
Ward Saves the Day
After LSU’s Jalen Reed sunk a free throw with just over a minute remaining in the game, the Tigers were up 73-69 over Kentucky. But Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham would quickly convert a three-point play after a made layup and an LSU foul. After a Tigers’ turnover, Dillingham capitalized again, giving Kentucky a one-point lead with only 12 seconds remaining.
The ending of Kentucky vs LSU was PEAK college basketball!
MAYHEM in Baton Rouge! @MarkTitusShow
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 22, 2024
With three seconds left, Jordan Wright attempted a game-winning layup, but had his shot blocked by Adou Thiero. The ball was blocked straight back into Wright’s possession. In a desperate attempt to extend the play, Wright lobbed the ball back in the paint.
Ward, best described as the man in the right place at the right time, caught the lob in midair and tossed the ball toward the basket. As the clock expired, the ball swished through the net, giving LSU their second straight win over a ranked opponent.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED⁉️ pic.twitter.com/drtQno5pRw
— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) February 22, 2024
Turning the Tide
LSU’s loss against Florida on February 13 marked its third straight loss and their sixth loss in seven games. Jordan Wright’s wide open potential game-tying missed jumper two feet from the basket seemed to highlight LSU’s struggles in SEC play. But that must have ignited a spark in the Tigers.
That's a home dub 🐊#GoGators | Presented by @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/ivuZB29NjM
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) February 14, 2024
Since then, the Tigers are 2-0, with wins over number 11 South Carolina and number 17 Kentucky. The win against Kentucky is LSU’s fourth Quadrant 1 win. Despite the Tigers’ losing record in SEC play (6-7), they have built an impressive resume this season.
What’s Next
The Tigers take on Mississippi State (18-8) at home on Saturday. They then close out the season with match ups against the SEC’s bottom four teams, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Arkansas and Missouri. If the Tigers win the remainder of their games, they will have a very strong case to be included in the March Madness tournament.
Regardless, LSU has proved they are a threat to the SEC’s top teams. Winning the SEC Tournament, which starts on Wednesday, March 13, would earn the Tigers an automatic bid for March Madness.
