Lady Tigers Drop Fourth Straight, Lose To Arkansas

LSU played itself Thursday, and still lost 48-44.

Arkansas is not considered an offensive juggernaut, with an offense that ranks 223rd nationally. Though compared to LSU’s 313th ranked offense, the Razorback offense is considerably more serviceable. The Razorbacks tried their best to play to LSU’s level. Arkansas had just seven first quarter points and attempted zero free throws in the first half. Even with those totals, LSU squandered a seven point lead and trailed for bits of the second quarter, before going into the half tied at 24.

Even after struggling in the first half, Arkansas was not much better in second when it shot 31% from the field and went just 4-of-11 from the free throw line. Not to be outdone, LSU would score just four third quarter points and shot 20% from the field in the second half. It was during LSU’s second half struggles that Arkansas regained the lead and were up by nine entering the final quarter.

The Tigers were able to make this a game through free throws. LSU shot 66% from the free throw line on 15 second half attempts. In the final 5:30 of regulation the Tigers had 11 attempts, which brought the Arkansas lead down to two with one minute remaining, before ultimately losing by four.

This marks the fourth straight game the Tigers have scored 45 points or less. LSU’s rotation was limited to just six players as Jenna Deemer missed another game due to illness. Akilah Bethel and Alexis Hyder both posted double-doubles, with Bethel scoring ten and grabbing 11 rebounds. Hyder had 11 points and 15 rebounds. If there is a positive from this game it’s that, LSU was able to build off of the loss to Florida to play another competitive game where the ending was not a blowout. The Lady Tigers now hit the road for games at UGA and at Mizzou.