The LSU Tigers (10-2, 5-1) used a late rally on Saturday night to defeat the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-3, 1-1), 85-80, at Baton Rouge.
Gamecocks led the majority of the game and entered the range with a 38-34 lead. South Carolina, who was without coach Frank Martin and two other assistants due to COVID-19, continued their hot game until the middle of the second half, when LSU finally ran.
The Tigers ran a 20-4 run starting around the eight-minute mark in the second half and finally taking control of the game with less than a minute to go. LSU’s 84-76 lead, with 34 seconds to go, was the biggest, and the Tigers held on to a talented and courageous team from Carolina.
Saturday’s game between LSU and South Carolina was only the second USC game in 41 days, as the Gamecocks had eight games canceled or postponed this season.
Rookie guard Cameron Thomas once again led the Tigers team with 25 points. Forward Trendon Watford scored 23 points and had seven rebounds.
Guard Javonte Smart scored 15 points, while striker Darius Days ended with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Striker Junior Keyshawn Bryant led the Gamecocks with 26 points.
LSU’s next step is a clash with first place Alabama on Tuesday in Baton Rouge.