Ugly Basketball: LSU Holds On to Beat Georgia 89-85

Despite leading by double digits multiple times in the closing minutes of Tuesday night's game, The Tigers had to scrape a win in the final seconds. The second half looked like an extended free throw challenge, with both teams making it to the line several times in the last five minutes.

Tim Quarterman and Jalyn Patterson both played well on Tuesday night. Quarterman proved why he was named a starter, with he and freshman Ben Simmons scoring 22 points each. Quarterman also led the team with five assists. Patterson had two clutch three-pointers in the second half to extend LSU's lead. Simmons posted his 15th double-double of the season, with 10 rebounds, but fans will likely be disappointed with the team effort Tuesday night. The Tigers shot 32% from the field (23 of 53), while Georgia made 51% of their attempts. The Tigers made 67% of their free throw tries. LSU, despite leading by double digits well into the second half, had trouble keeping a steady momentum because of the stop-and-go nature of the game.

Georgia's J.J. Frazier was the game leader with 26 points. Kenny Gaines added another 20 points while he sunk three three-pointers. LSU had an 11-point lead with 50 seconds to go, but Georgia pulled within one at the 27 second mark. The Tigers made 5-of-6 of their final free throw attempts to secure a victory.

Even with the foul trouble and a sloppy finish, The Tigers can add another check in the W column. LSU will have to continue to win the close games to have a chance as an NCAA Tournament team in March. Their conference schedule gets considerably easier in February, when The Tigers will get to face Texas A&M and Florida at home. Next up is #1 Oklahoma, Saturday at 4 PM from the PMAC.