Associate Head Coach David Patrick and the LSU Tigers faced a tough challenge on the road against the Kentucky Wildcats, falling to a 95-64 defeat at Rupp Arena. Kentucky's explosive start and sharp shooting proved too much for the Tigers to overcome.
The Wildcats came out firing in the first half, overwhelming LSU with scoring runs and a barrage of three-pointers. Kentucky shot a blistering 58.6% from the field in the opening 20 minutes, including 7-of-14 from beyond the arc. Runs of 15-0 and 12-0 helped Kentucky build a commanding early lead, which ballooned to as many as 27 points before the half-time buzzer. The Wildcats went into the break with a 50-23 advantage.
While both teams found success in the paint, with Kentucky scoring 26 points inside and LSU adding 20, the Tigers struggled to find their range from outside, going 0-of-8 from three-point territory in the first half.
LSU regrouped in the second half, playing more evenly with the Wildcats and outscoring them by four points. The Tigers improved their shooting, making 15-of-29 field goal attempts and connecting on six three-pointers.
Despite the second-half improvement, LSU couldn't overcome the large deficit. They finished the game shooting 44.8% from the field, 27.3% from three-point range, and 60% from the free throw line. Kentucky maintained their hot shooting throughout the game, finishing at 50.7% from the field, with 12 made three-pointers and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free throw line.
The loss highlights the challenges LSU faces on the road against top competition. Despite the setback, Coach Patrick and the Tigers will look to learn from this experience and regroup for their upcoming games.
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