Tigers edged by Gators in the swamp

Although the LSU women’s basketball team hung with No.20 Florida for most of the contest on Sunday, the Tigers ultimately would lose their third straight game, 53-45.

The Tigers eyed the upset early against the Gators jumping out to a four point lead just a few seconds into the second quarter thanks to layup from Ann Jones.

Florida retook the lead midway through the second quarter, but the Tigers were able to tie the game at 25 entering the half on a Rina Hill jumper.

A key reason for the Tigers first half success was Florida's foul shooting. The Gators went just 41% from the free throw line despite having 12 first half attempts.

LSU kept up its play in the third quarter and entered the fourth up by five points.

Up by seven a few minutes later, the Tigers offense went cold at the worst possible time. Florida would go on a 9-1 run to regain the lead with 4:38 left in the game and would not relinquish it. Meanwhile the LSU offense went cold, making just two field goals and scoring a lowly seven points in the 4th quarter.

Alexis Hyder had a standout performance for the Tigers with ten rebounds and 13 points. Jasmine Rhodes also hit double figures with ten points.

Many of the issues which have plagued the Tigers throughout the season, notably offense and second half struggles, were certainly evident in this loss. However, it was promising that the Tigers were able to go on the road and play so well against such a good team.

Up next for the Tigers is a sub .500 Arkansas team in Baton Rouge. An opportunity perhaps, for the Tigers to build off the performance against Florida, and earn their second conference win of the season.