The South Carolina basketball team lost a tough game to LSU.
South Carolina traveled to Baton Rouge last weekend to play its first game in a week in a half. Gamecocks were forced to postpone consecutive contests due to COVID, and although they could return to the court last Saturday, the effects of Coronavirus have yet to be seen.
South Carolina technician Frank Martin was unable to travel to Louisiana after contracting the virus a second time. Assistant Bruce Shingler took on the role of Martin, and he seemed to have the Gamecocks playing loose after the short hiatus.
The team jumped into the lead at the start, taking a 38-34 lead in the locker room at halftime. Gamecocks led by up to 11 in that first period.
Unfortunately, the Tigers would go for a 16-4 streak at the end of the second half to take control of the game and pull the win. South Carolina led 72-64 with almost eight minutes remaining, but this race gave LSU a new lease of life, and they took an 80-76 lead that they would not lose. The two teams exchanged baskets in the last minute of action, with Tigers winning 85-80.
Although South Carolina left with a defeat, they had to feel good about their first presentation on the road at a conference. Playing without a full lineup or a coach, Gamecocks went to one of the SEC’s most difficult locations and almost escaped with a victory.
South Carolina controlled the game during the first 35 minutes of action, but failed to close the deal, which is obviously disappointing.
A positive point in the confrontation was the return of striker Keyshawn Bryant, who added 26 points, the best of the season, in his first game since December 5. Bryant hit 10 out of 18 on the field, dropped seven boards and led the team with four blocks.
Guard AJ Lawson also scored 22 points, his third consecutive win of 20 points or more, and Justin Minaya scored a second double-double in three attempts.
For LSU, Cameron Thomas and Trendon Watford led, scoring 25 and 23, respectively. After a slow start, the Tigers scored 6 out of 10 three points in the second half, allowing them to return to the game.
They also hit 15 of 17 second free throws to seal the Gamecocks’ fate, and overcame South Carolina on the line almost twice. LSU his attempts at 24-0f-32 in the charity band, while the Gamecocks hit 10 out of 14 opportunities.
South Carolina will try to get back on track this Tuesday, when it will face Missouri’s number 17. It will be a second straight road game.