'We had to win this game': Eric Gaines discusses LSU's thrilling victory over Texas A&M

LSU didn’t have Darius Days or Xavier Pinson. But the Tigers had Eric Gaines — and he proved to be the X-factor in Wednesday’s 70-64 win over Texas A&M.

Gaines had 16 points, six rebounds, three assists, four steals and a game-saving block with 24 seconds left as part of a huge day. After the game, SEC Network analysts Peter Burns, Patric Young and Daymeon Fishback caught up with Gaines.

With so many players out, Gaines knew what he had to do: take matters into his own hands.

“Just gotta have a winning mentality, man,” Gaines said. “[With] our starting point guard out, I had to step up [and] get the dub for us. I got elbowed in the head, gotta fight through adversity, though. Had to get the team win.”

But Gaines wasn’t the only one to make big plays. Brandon Murray came off the bench and dropped a game-high 21 points to lead the LSU offensive attack, which is why Gaines said it wasn’t a one-man show.

“We all had to step up,” Gaines said. “It was a great game by B. Murray. But the whole team, we just had to step up and get this win. … We lost to Arkansas, had to get the win.”

Gaines also spoke about that block. Texas A&M guard Marcus Williams appeared to have a clear path to the basket as he went for a layup that would’ve tied the game. But Gaines came across the lane to swat it away — and give LSU a much-needed victory.

“I didn’t want him to get the dunk,” Gaines said. “We had to win this game. Had to do anything to get this win. Four fouls, contested at the rim, blocked it, good no-call by the ref, it was a clean block. Got the win.”

Despite the losing streak — which tied the longest for LSU under Will Wade — Wade still managed to keep his team focused down the stretch. Gaines said the players reciprocate Wade’s attitude, which is why they have such a good relationship.

“He doesn’t do [anything] but bring us energy,” Gaines said. “He’s got our back and we’ve got his back. As a head coach, that’s what you’ve got to do and we’re always fighting for him just like he’s fighting for us.”

The victory moves LSU 16-4 overall and 4-4 in SEC play. Texas A&M, meanwhile, fell to 15-5 and 4-3 in league action — and 0-4 in Q1 games — with the loss.