Jeff: LSU upsets 17th ranked Missouri

How it happened: The LSU Tigers got off to a great start, jumping out to a 17-6 lead and held on to beat Missouri 73-70. The Tigers shot 56% from the field, hit six 3-pointers and held Missouri to 37% from the floor. 

 

Most valuable Tigers: Anthony Hickey went up against one of the best point guards in the country in Paul Pressey, but the LSU sophomore was up for the challenge. Hickey finished with 20 points and four assists. He put on the show for a good portion of the 2nd half, by hitting a couple of difficult shots and trading baskets with Pressey who led all scorers with 25 points. . 

 

Johnny O’ Bryant had his fourth straight double-double as he scored 14 points and eleven rebounds. Andre Stringer chipped in with 18 points and five rebounds. Stringer was 6-of-6 from the free throw line, 4-for-5 from three-point territory. Stringer hit a big three-pointer with just over three minutes left that turned into a four point play as he was fouled on the play. 

 

What it means: LSU followed up a good performance in Kentucky on Saturday, with a great performance against a nationally ranked team on Wednesday. The Tigers are playing with some confidence and the upcoming schedule allows Coach Johnny Jones team to pick up some more wins. The Tigers are now 11-and-7 overall, 2-and-5 in the SEC. It’s also the Tigers first win over a ranked opponent from the SEC since 2007.    

 

Stats of the game: LSU shot 56% from the field, while Missouri shot 38%, but the Tigers won by just three points. Missouri had 16 offensive rebounds to LSU’s three which allowed Missouri to stay in the game. Missouri outscored the Tigers 14-4 in 2nd chance points and 12 of those points came in the 2nd half.  

 

Up next. LSU has a very winnable game on Saturday afternoon as they take a bus ride up to Starkville to face Mississippi State. The Bulldogs could be the worst team in the league as they went into Wednesday night’s game with a 7-and-11 record. 

Photo: LSU Athletics / LSUSports.net